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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Java Applet
2.1.
Implementation
2.2.
Features of Java Applet:
2.3.
Features of Java Application:
2.4.
Implementation
2.5.
Java Application Features
3.
Difference between Application and Applet
4.
Frequently Asked Questions
4.1.
What is the difference between an applet and a web application?
4.2.
What is the difference between Java application and applet and servlet?
4.3.
What are the advantages of applet over application?
5.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Medium

Difference Between a Java Application and a Java Applet

Author Nilesh Kumar
0 upvote

Introduction

Java applications are programs that are developed using Java Programming. These programs are standalone and platform-independent means these can be run on systems with the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Development Kit (JDK). On the other hand, Java Applet is a type of Java program that is created to run on web browsers. These programs were used for creating interactive content, such as web pages and games.

While both Applets and Applications serve similar functions, some key differences between the two are essential to understand.

difference between applet and application

In this blog, we will learn about the Difference Between a Java Application and a Java Applet and their features. So, let us get started with Applet. 

Also read, Duck Number in Java 

Java Applet

Java Applet represent dynamic and interactive programs that require the support of a Java-enabled web browser to run effectively.

It is a small application or program that is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks within a larger program or system. 

They are embedded into web pages using HTML, and they can provide graphical and interactive content on a web page. 

  • The <APPLET> tag is used to use it on an HTML website. It cannot read or write files on the system without permission since it cannot access all of the system's resources, such as local storage. 
     
  • It is not necessary to have a main() method. 
     
  • The Java Virtual Machine of the system is used by a web browser that supports Java to build and run the Applet code. 

Implementation

import java.applet.Applet;
import java.awt.Graphics;

public class CodingNinjas extends Applet {
    
    public void paint(Graphics g) {
        g.drawString("Coding Ninjas", 20, 20);
    }
    
}


In this example, we have created a basic Java Applet that displays the message using the drawString method of the Graphics class.

To run this Applet, you must compile and embed the code in an HTML page using the <applet> tag. Here's an example of how to do that:

<html>
    <head>
        <title>My First Applet</title>
    </head>
    <body>
        <h1>Welcome to Coding Ninjas!</h1>
        <applet code="CodingNinjas.class" width="200" height="200">
        </applet>
    </body>
</html>

 

Save both the Java code and the HTML file in the same directory and run the HTML file in a web browser to see the Applet in action.

Also read: Hashcode Method in Java.

Features of Java Applet:

The main features of the applet are discussed below.

  • Small size
    Applets are typically small, making them easy to download and embed in web pages.
     
  • Browser-based
    Applets run inside a web browser, providing a convenient way to add interactivity and dynamic content to web pages.
     
  • Restricted access to resources
    Applets are run in a sandboxed environment, which restricts their access to system resources such as memory, processing power, and storage. 
     
  • Limited user interaction
    Applets typically provide limited user interaction, usually through HTML controls or UI components provided by the applet itself.
     
  • Deployment
    Applets are typically embedded in HTML pages using the <applet> tag or the newer <object> tag.
     
  • Platform-independent
    Applets are written in Java and can run on any platform that supports a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which makes them highly portable.
     
  • Security
    Applets provide a high level of security and cannot access system resources or sensitive information.

Features of Java Application:

Java application is generally a Java program (group of instructions) that runs discretely in a client or server and operates on an underlying OS (operating system) that accepts virtual machine support. Graphical User Interface (GUI) is not needed for the implementation of a Java application.

Example: Let us design an application that multiplies two numbers. 

Implementation

class Multiplication {

    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        multiply(30, 20);
    }
    
    static void multiply(int a, int b)
    {
        System.out.println("Multiplication of " + a + " x " + b + " : " + (a * b));
    }
    
}


Output

Multiplication of 30 x 20 : 600


Java applications can be used for various purposes, such as 

  • Web development,
  • Mobile app development,
  • Desktop applications.


Java is known for its "write once, run anywhere" capability, meaning that Java applications can be developed on one platform and run on many different platforms without modification. 

Java Application Features

The main features of the application are discussed below. 

  • Standalone
    Applications are programs installed on a computer or other device and run independently of a web browser or other software.
     
  • Access to Resources
    Applications have access to system resources allowing them to perform complex tasks and manipulate data.
     
  • User interaction
    Applications provide user interaction through a GUI or CLI.
     
  • Deployment
    They are generally distributed as executable files or installers. It can be downloaded and installed on a computer or other device.
     
  • Platform-specific
    They are usually developed for specific operating systems or hardware platforms.
     
  • Extensibility
    Applications can be extended through plug-ins, add-ons, or other third-party software components.

Difference between Application and Applet

The key difference between applet and application are described in the table below.

Feature Applet Application
Environment Browser OS
Access to resources Restricted to JVM sandbox Access to system resources
Code execution Inside a web page Standalone or in a web page
Deployment Embedded in HTML Installed on a computer or server
User interaction Limited, usually via HTML controls or UI components Full control, via GUI or command line
Size Small, usually less than 1MB Can be much larger, depending on the complexity and scope of the application
Security Highly restricted, run in a sandbox environment with limited permissions Dependent on the OS and security settings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an applet and a web application?

Applet: It is a program that executes within a web browser using Java to provide interactive content.

Web Application: Program running on a web server, accessed through a browser, providing various functionalities such as dynamic websites, data processing, and database integration.

What is the difference between Java application and applet and servlet?

Java Application: These programs are developed using Java Programming, which is standalone and platform-independent and can be run on systems with the JRE and JDK.

Applet: It is a program that executes within a web browser using Java to provide interactive content.

Servlet: Java program running on a web server, handling client requests and generating dynamic content for web applications.

What are the advantages of applet over application?

  • Java Applets can be embedded in web pages.
  • Java Applets provides a seamless user experience.
  • Java Applets provides cross-platform compatibility.
  • Accessibility of client-side resources, such as local file systems and peripherals, can be achieved by applets.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed what exactly are the applets and applications, their features, and their implementation. Then we discussed the difference between a Java application and a Java Applet, where we took some basis of each point. I will recommend you read the frequently asked questions provided above, which you read for a quick revision. I hope this article helped you enhance your knowledge regarding the applets and applications.

Read more articles:

 

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