Java Web Start

One of the issues you must deal with as a Java programmer is how to make your software available to the people who will be using your work.

Applications require a Java interpreter, so one must either be included with the application, or users must install an interpreter themselves. The easiest solution is to require that users download and install the Java Runtime Environment from Sun's web site at http://java.com.

Regardless of how you deal with the requirement for an interpreter, you distribute an application like any other program, making it available on a CD, website, or some other means. A user must run an installation program to set it up, if one is available, or copy the files and folders manually.

Applets are easier to ...

Get SAMS Teach Yourself Programming with Java™ in 24 Hours, FOURTH EDITION now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.