Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Internet, World Wide Web, Browser, and Java
We often hear the terms Internet, World Wide Web (or simply, Web) and Web browser
(or simply, browser). What do these terms mean, and what is Java's connection with them?
The Internet is an interconnection of networks that allows computers around the world to
communicate with each other. In 1969, the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced
Research Project Agency (ARPA) funded research projects to investigate and develop
techniques and technologies to interlink networks. The objective was to develop com-
munication protocols so that networked computers could communicate with each other.
This was called the internetting project, and the funding resulted into ARPANET, which
eventually became known as the ''Internet.''
Over the last four decades, the Internet has grown manyfold. In 1973, approximately 25
computers were connected via the Internet. This number grew to 700,000 computers by
1991, and to over 10,000,000 by 2000. Each day, more and more computers are getting
connected via the Internet.
The terms Internet and World Wide Web are often used interchangeably. However,
there is a difference between the two. The Internet allows computers to be connected
and communicate with each other. On the other hand, the World Wide Web (WWW), or
Web, uses software programs that enable computer users to access documents and files
(including images, audio, and video) on almost any subject over the Internet with the
click of a mouse. Undoubtedly, the Internet has become one of the world's leading
communication mechanisms. Computers around the world communicate via the Inter-
net; the World Wide Web makes that communication a fun activity.
The primary language for the Web is known as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). It is
a simple language for laying out and linking documents, as well as for viewing images and
listening to sound. However, HTML is not capable of interacting with the user, except to
collect information via simple forms. Therefore, Web pages are essentially static. As noted
previously, Java has two types of programs—applications and applets. In terms of pro-
gramming, both types are similar. Application programs are stand-alone programs that can
run on your computer. Java applets are programs that run from a Web browser and make
the Web responsive and interactive. Two well-known browsers are Mozilla Firefox and
Internet Explorer. Java applets can run in either browser. Moreover, through the use of
applets, the Web becomes responsive, interactive, and fun to use. (Note that to run
applets, the browser you use must be Java enabled.)
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Programming with the Problem Analysis-Coding-
Execution Cycle
Programming is a process of problem solving. Different people use different techniques to solve
problems. Some techniques are clearly outlined and easy to follow; they solve the
problem and give insight into how the solution was reached. Such problem-solving
techniques can be easily modified if the domain of the problem changes.
 
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