This article delves into the transformative power of Java, a programming language that has evolved over the years to become a vital tool for web development. It explores how Java can enhance your website, why it's relevant today, and why it's poised to be the next big thing in web development.
Java is a versatile programming language that can be seamlessly integrated into web browsers to add dynamic features to a website. Its key strengths lie in its reusability and ease of use.
Consider the classic 'Lake' example, where you have an image of a mountain reflected in a lake, and you want the water to ripple. Before Java, creating this effect required expensive graphics software and several hours of work. With a Java applet, you can achieve the same effect by simply including the following code in your webpage:
<applet code=Lake.class> <param name="image" value="lake.jpg" </applet>
To change the image, all you need to do is change the name of the file. This ease of use and flexibility makes Java an invaluable tool for enhancing your website's functionality.
When Java was first introduced about five years ago, it ran slowly on the then-new browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer, and on the relatively slow computers of the time. However, things have changed dramatically since then.
Both Microsoft and Netscape have optimized their browsers' Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making Java run much faster. Modern computers, with their faster graphics accelerator cards and increased RAM, are more than three times faster than their predecessors. This, coupled with the low cost of these machines, means that Java can now be used easily and cost-effectively.
Java does not require any plugins. This is a significant advantage as most internet users find it frustrating to have to download different plugins for different functionalities. Almost all internet browsers already support JDK 1.0.2, the main version of Java in use today.
Java can perform complex mathematical calculations quickly, thanks to faster computers and optimized browsers. This makes it ideal for creating 2D & 3D games, visual special effects, and data processing.
Java's reusability saves you time and money. For instance, if you have a program that creates special transition effects for banner advertisements, you can easily reuse it for a corporate presentation by simply replacing the images.
Most sophisticated Java applets are less than 50K in size. In comparison, tools like Macromedia Flash create animations that are at least 100K for simple ones and can go up to 500K for professional sites. This small size makes Java applets faster to load and run.
Java offers numerous benefits: it doesn't require plugins, runs fast, saves time and money due to its reusability, and can significantly enhance your website's functionality. By leveraging Java, you can create a website that leaves a lasting impression on your visitors. So, how do you plan to use Java today?
