Applet

An applet is a software component that runs in the context of another progam, for example a web browser. The applet must run in a container, which is provided by a host program, or through a plugin, or a variety of other applications including mobile devices that support the applet programming model.

Related Topics:
Web browser - Plugin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Unlike a program, an applet cannot run independently, features display and often interaction with the human user, and is usually stateless and has restricted security privileges. An applet characteristically performs a very narrow function that has no independent use. Hence, it is an application -let. Historically, the term was introduced in AppleScript in 1993.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Applets usually have some form of user interface or perform a particular piece of the overall user interface in a web page. This distinguishes them from a program written in a scripting programming language (such as JavaScript) that also runs in the context of a larger, client program, but which would not be considered an applet.

Related Topics:
User interface - Scripting programming language - JavaScript

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Applets generally have the capability of interacting with and/or influencing their host program, through the restricted security privileges, although they are generally not required to do so.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Common examples of applets are Java applets and Flash movies. Another example is the Windows Media Player applet that is used to display embeded video files in Internet Explorer (and other browsers that support the plugin). Some plugins also allow for displaying various 3D model formats in a web browser, via an applet that allow the view of the model to be roated and zoomed.

Related Topics:
Java applet - Flash movies - Windows Media Player - Internet Explorer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~