JAVA APPLETS
The degree of interactivity and excitement that is desirable for a website will probably determine whether JavaScript or Java Applets would best be suited for the task. I believe that Java Applets are best used to generate excitement and attract attention. For example, a small advertisement on a page to entice the user to explore further may use Java Applets to attract attention and hopefully look further. I think most people agree that it is easy to get distracted when "surfing the net" and Java Applets can accomplish this task to the delight of those wishing to accomplish that goal. An example of a Java Applet that would attract attention is as follows:
Another task Java Applets is best suited for would be anything that should be done in "real time." People in our society do not like to wait and want information immediately. Java Real Time Applets fill that need in our society whether it be for sports information, financial information, or "what-if situations."
JAVASCRIPT
JavaScript is easier to learn and can be easily placed into the HTML code. It is best suited to personalize the page (with a greeting or password), give the user some control by adding interactivity, or adding some excitement to the page in the form of scrolling sentences or changing headlines. JavaScript can also be used for validating forms when CGI forms are unavailable or less desirable because of the degree of interactivity desired. An example of a JavaScript to add some "excitement" to a page is as follows:
HOW NECESSARY IS EXCITEMENT ??
I think that depends on the intended audience and purpose the page. If the purpose of the page is JUST to be informative, Java Applets and JavaScript may not be necessary. It must be kept in mind that not all browsers support Java and download time is an important factor to many people. Because of this, most pages currently give a choice of Java or non-Java pages. If my purpose is to welcome you to the Web-O-Crats Page, is the following not enough???
WEB-O-CRATS WELCOME YOU!