Java is an almost pure object oriented language developed by SUN Microsystems. It is designed to be modular and for everything to interact. Sun envisage that java will be used to run everything in the future (right down to things such as toasters, cars, ect). What has realy put Java on the map at the moment is the fact that Java has been adopted as the executable language of the Web. The advantage that java has is that it is only partly compiled to a .class file. The actual execution of a Java program is done by the java virtual machine, which is available for most platforms. Thus a Java .class file can run on almost any computer, and is relatively compact. I could write a program on my PC, which would run on someone's Mac.

There are some drawbacks though. The biggest is security. Java has been designed with security in mind, so many actions (such as access to other computers, various files, system information) are difficult if not impossible.

I'm still learning. I taught myself with the help of books from my local library, and some on line sources I'll list later. I learned Java because I wanted to write a version of an old Spectrum classic in a format available to as many people as possible, but I've also started using is to perform various actions on my Web Pages.

The first program I started work on was a version of the old Spectrum classic Rebel Star. Since then I've also converted an old version of Sokoban and have now converted another spectrum clasic Laser Squad. I am currently working on a level editor for Laser Squad to allow people to create their own scenarios.

There are two other applets on my Web Page (other than the title of this screen). The first is a scrolling applet in the frame to your left. It does that same as the MARQUEE tag, but since this doesn't work on my current browser, I wrote a simple applet to do this. The Scroll source code, class file and information is available for you to use if you want it. The other applet you won't see. It's hidden away in the Frame decleration. It will only get activated if the browser can't handle frames as it's in the NOFRAMES tag. It then automatically loads my version of my home page without frames instead, all very neat. I supose it could be used if you've moved your Web Page and want to leave a link at your old site. It would then move you to your new site. The Automatic URL Loader source code, class file and information is also available if you want it.

Java Links:

Java is produced by Sun Microsystems. You can visit the Java Homepages.

You can get hold of various Java programs, including the vital Java Developers Kit (free) at Sun's products page.

Sun also provide a Java Tutorial in HTML format. It's the best freely available tutorial I've found online. It's also downloadable so you can look it over at your leasure.

Gamelan provide thousands of Java applets, some of which come with source code. There are applets to do pretty much anything you want here.

This site has hundreds of games written in Java, and is definately worth a look. Chances are you will find something you like.

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