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Java for the Webmaster: All Gain No Pain

Another big enhancement for your site can be Java-based games.

Although some Java-based games are commercial and require the purchase of a license, others are free for non-commercial use. Even those that require a license are usually very inexpensive, so you can still find some great Java games even on a restricted budget. Here are several free Java-based games:

• asteroids
• CanoeClobber
• Gopher
• tailgunner
• MindReader

Some applets may only be practical when you have them located on your own computer. Their size can be large enough to be prohibitive to normal users, but they can still be very useful when they are located on your own machine. Applets such as this may not be as useful when they are actually loaded onto your page, but they are fine to include for visitors to download from your page for use on their own computers. Here is an example of such an applet--at 340KB!

• ConversionApplet

In all these cases, it's considerate to provide a link back to the author's Web site or email address. It's not often required, but the programmers who develop these applets deserve all the attention and recognition they can get.

Some of the applets on the Java Boutique include the source code for the applet, along with the required class files. If you are a programmer and use the source code from one of these applets to develop your own version, kindly include the original author's name in your source code, and drop them a note to share your improvements. Most authors are delighted to see their applet being used or improved!

NEXT

This article first appeared in October, 1998

How to Add Java Applets to Your Site

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