Java on Your Web Site?
by Scott Clark
Some folks believe Java applets are the spice of life. Others feel that a Web site without Java is like a fish without a bicycle. While those of us here at the JB will be among the first to agree with the former, we don't believe in using Java just because you can. Java was developed to be useful, not just icing on a cake. In this article, we're going to show you how you can use Java to enhance, rather than distract from, your Web site.
Some of the first applets to be released were simple animation effects. These enabled developers to add animations to their site by including parameters in the applet code that pointed to various image files which were cycled through, creating a "flipbook" type animation. As Java evolved, other visual applets began to be released that offered greater appeal, such as:
These type of applets are best used with fast-loading, smaller images that reflect the style of a company or individual's Web site. They can be used for great visual effects on entertainment or personal sites, but keep in mind that the longer it takes to download the applet, the longer your visitors will be looking at a grey rectangle, and the more likely they'll be off to visit someone else's site. Also, Java animations are often best used on secondary pages, not the main page, as Java applets tend to "freeze" some browsers as they load, and it can be an annoyance rather than a treat.
One of the most common uses for Java applets on a Web site is site navigation. There are many Java-based navigation tools available to make your visitors trek through your site enjoyable. Some, such as IMap are based on an image or images that provide a visual representations of different areas of your site. Others, such as TabTree and dipuTree provide a "treeview" of your site, and allow the visitor to drill down into your site to locate specific areas or pages.
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This article first appeared in July, 1998
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