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Java for the Webmaster: All Gain No Pain

Conclusion

If you've downloaded an applet from a Web site, have tried everything to get the applet to work on your site, and have verified that all your code is correct, but it just won't work, it may not be your fault. Some authors have included code in their applet to make sure that it only works on those sites that have registered the applet and paid for its license. Often they may include a license key when you purchase the applet that must be present on the host machine. Other times they may just hardcode the user's IP address or domain name within the source code before they compile the applet. Solution: buy the applet from them or find another one that's free--if it's a great applet, you should support them for their efforts!

Conclusion

So you can see that using Java on your Web site does not have to be a major hassle, either for you or your site's visitors. Java is going to remain a part of the major Web browser's features, and the majority of Web surfers have the ability to run Java applets on their machines. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you will find that Java can make your site easier to navigate, more fun to visit, and more attractive to the eye. It can also simplify the development process and make you wonder how you lived without it. Be sure to visit the Java Boutique often, and don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have a problem, or just want to say hello.

This article first appeared in October, 1998

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