10.1. Overview

While the dynamic and interactive nature of Java applets makes them an attractive choice for Web masters, applets are severely limited by security policies. Such policies, aimed at protecting users, can be restrictive for developers who want to create full-fledged applications that run inside a browser. When combined with slow loading times and lack of universal Java 2 support across all browsers, the advantages of server-side content often outweigh those of Java applets.

Previously, developers would need to master one or more scripting languages, such as Perl or VBScript for Active Server Pages, to create server-side applications. Such approaches often tied developers into a particular Web server framework or operating system. ...

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