Java for Dummies

[DanielAc]

Once before I considered Java Applets for Navigation menus and passed. On a new website I am designing I once again considered using a Java applet for Top or leftside navigation.
I am concerned about the Load time and the unsightly look of the box loading. What do you think? I do not have access to Java Server Pages as I host on an ASP oriented server. But I still want to learn Java and I figure a menu navigation is a good way to start learning it. I really have no real strong compelling reason to learn Java other than the challenge of it.

I am concerned about how long it will take me to learn Java. I have a good IDE (VS6 J++) if I need it, I also downloaded the most recent SDK from SUN. I got a couple books from the library today, including Java for dummies, so I hope that will help.

If possible can someone show me some Java code on how I would START coding a top nav menu like the one at RealApplets.com called CascadeMenu http://www.realapplets.com/appletpage.asp?dir=cascademenu&page=example1

Boy for $30 it sure makes me want to just buy that one and forget about learning Java, but I know scripting and databasing, I should be able to PROGRAM too!!!

Any help MUCH appreciated.

[Rhino302]

Applets are extremeley easy as far as getting things done compared to command promt programs in Java. I dont know right off hand how to code hypertext links into Java, but I'm sure its not that hard.

I would first start out by making an applet, and just throwing some things on there--textboxes, labels, etc. And getting your parameters right within the html page.

Visual J++ is good in that it will take you exactly to the line where you made a mistake/typo. Much easier than JDK.

But go here for lots of examples with source code (http://javaboutique.internet.com/)

[DanielAc]

I will definately be sticking to applets since I am primarily a web designer/architect. I cannot do servlets or JSP's as far as I know because both my web servers are Win2k's with ASP support.

I just finished my first HelloWorld.class file. Was easy once I figured out that the name of the .java file had to be the same as the public class declaration in the code. I.e. public class HelloWorld would be in a HelloWorld.java file.

Anyway, thanks for the link.

One thing I do not like about Java Applets is that the paint gets so easily messed up when switching between browser windows. Ever seen that on a site? You have this GORGEOUS looking Applet (tree navigation, top menu, chat menu, whatever), and then you minimize the window, come back and it is showing content from your other window, or the paint is distorted. The applet suffers from that.

Can anyone show me "ROCK SOLID" applet examples? Preferably Menu Navigations of course.

Thanks!!!

P.S. There are tons at www.CoolFocus.net
Not quite sure if they suffer from the things I just mentioned.
But some are REALLY nice examples of Java Applets.

- Daniel

[qball]

Once before I considered Java Applets for Navigation menus and passed. On a new website I am designing I once again considered using a Java applet for Top or leftside navigation.


Well, why did you 'pass' the first time?

Why do you consider an applet for navigation? What do you gain over hyperlinks?

What about the 'classic' applet problem (browser no supporty applet)?

[vancinad]

If you've got administrative control over the web servers, you could load Sun's Tomcat (http://dcb.sun.com/practices/profiles/tomcat.jsp) servlet engine under IIS. Then you could build servlets and JSP's to your heart's content. :)