HTML and CSS Reference
In-Depth Information
gion, the applet might respond by displaying results within the region,
signaling another applet, or even loading a completely new page into
the browser.
We don't mean to imply that the only use of applets is to enhance the
user interface. An applet is a full-fledged program that can perform any
number of computational and user-interactive tasks on the client com-
puter. An applet might implement a real-time video display, perform cir-
cuit simulation, engage the user in a game, provide a chat interface, and
so on.
12.1.1.3. Using applets correctly
An applet is nothing more than another tool you can use to produce
compelling and useful web pages. Keep in mind that an applet uses com-
putational resources on the client to run and therefore places a load on
the user's computer. It can degrade system performance.
Similarly, if an applet uses a lot of network bandwidth to accomplish its
task (a real-time video feed, for example), it may make other network
communication unbearably slow. While such applications are fun, they
do little more than annoy your target audience.
To use an applet correctly, balance the load between the browser and
the server. For each page, decide which tasks are best left to the serv-
er (forms processing, index searches, and the like) and which tasks are
better suited for local processing (user-interface enhancements, real-
time data presentation, small animations, input validation, and so on).
Divide the processing accordingly. Remember that many users have
slower network connections and computers than you do, and design
your applets to satisfy the majority of your audience.
Used the right way, applets seamlessly enhance your pages and provide
a satisfying experience for your audience. Used improperly, applets are
just another annoying bandwidth waster, alienating your users and hurt-
ing your pages.
