Lesson 825-8: "Web Pages That Make A Difference"
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Lesson 825-6
Using Java Applets and JavaScripts

CHALLENGE 1:

Probably the most highly touted reason for using Java or JavaScript is "interactivity". You can create a Java Applet that allows the user to choose for example, the typefont in which they view your page. Or a JavaScript that presents a specific page based on a user's browser. You might want to use a Java Applet to create an incredible special effect, like an animated logo or offer a game to draw visitors to your site. Perhaps you have no CGI access and you would like your visitors to sign a guestbook or complete an one line survey: you can cover those needs with a JavaScript. This is just a tiny part of what could be done with an Applet on a JavaScript; the possibilities are still being explored.

Use these as a starting point for your group discussions: as a group discuss whether or not you need to use a Java Applet or JavaScript in your web pages. Among points to cover in the discussion are:

Are your visitors using Java capable browsers?

How will using it affect your load time on a page and do you think your visitors will want to wait for that applet to load?

Are you alienating persons who have non-Java capable browsers and/or perhaps distrust Java or will you be able to provide them with a non-Java applet/JavaScript alternative?

Discuss the potential security risks involved in using Java Applets and Java Script.

CHALLENGE 2:

Demonstrate knowledge of what Java Applets and JavaScript are and some tasks/functions/actions they can perform.

Briefly and as though explaining to someone with little or no knowledge of the subject, explain and post to your homework web page:

a) Describe some of the things that Java Applets can do and some of the reasons for using Java Applets on web pages.

b) Describe some of the things that JavaScript can do and some of the reasons for incorporating JavaScript scripts.

c) Are there some tasks for which one of the two is a better choice? Justify that answer with an example or concise explanation.

CHALLENGE 3:

Look over a number of Java Applet and JavaScript resources and familiarize yourself with what is available.

Find and Use at Least one precompiled Java Applet and pre-written one Java Script on one of your group's demonstration pages or if appropriate, on your main group page.

Explain why you chose the applet/script.

Explain what if any alterations were done to make it fit your needs.

CHALLENGE 4:

This is the BIG one! As a group select one of the online Java Script tutorials. This may be either one that has been suggested or one you have located on your own. Individually read over it. Review what you have learned with your group and discuss what you did or did not understand.

Using the information you have learned, attempt to write a basic script.

CHALLENGE 5:

Define/Describe very briefly:
JDK AWT
IDE
API
Class File
Source Code
Java Applet
Compiler (Or Java Compiler)
JavaScript
Event Handler

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