The Web Deco Kit is a series of Java applets designed to embellish any website, no matter what sort of server or platform it uses. No Java programming experience is required to incorporate the applets into a website. Each of the applets performs a single task, but can be customized in an endless number of ways. A single web page can contain more than one applet (as this one does). While Java applets can only be seen in action with a Java-capable browser (such as the latest versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer), each applet can contain alternate HTML that will be seen by those without Java-capable browsers.
Each applet is fully featured, taking a consistent set of arguments for messages, fonts, sizes, colors, bevels, speeds and backgrounds. Each applet can optionally accept a URL destination to be used when the user mouse-clicks the applet. The applets are all small, varying from 1,800 to 5,000 bytes as compiled. Clicking on the name of each applet will lead to demos of the applet, descriptions of its use and other documentation:
Flasher Rainbow Credits Streamer BannerScroll ImageScroll ChaseButton Question Marquee MegaButton Re-Direct
Frequently asked questions about Java and the Web Deco Kit:
Do I need to know how to program to use a Java applet on my web page?
No programming experience is required. However, a knowlege of HTML will help a lot. It's also important to follow programming procedures and test pages you create using Java applets under assorted conditions and browsers.
Does it matter what kind of server I use to host my website?
No.
Does it matter if a Java applet was created on a PC, Mac or other platfrom?
No. Java is Java, it runs the same on any platform it has been ported to (with minor differences in the way user interface elements, such as buttons or menus, are displayed).
Won't putting Java on my pages slow down the speed with which they load?
It depends on how you use it. Each of the applets in this kit is smaller than 5K, so they take about three seconds to load into most browsers over a 28.8Kbit link. However, putting lots of applets on a single page can slow it down. Even worse, using too many applets together on a single page is likely to be a Serious Design Error and may cause the Aesthetic Police to seek you out for questioning.
Will users without Java-capable browsers still be able to use my web pages?
Yes, if you write your HTML correctly. Inside of the <APPLET> tags, you may include HTML that is not inside of a <PARAM> tag. Browsers that don't understand Java will ignore everything inside of <APPLET> and <PARAM> tags and pick up this extra HTML instead. Java-capable browsers will ignore anything but <PARAM> tags inside of <APPLET> tags and thus ignore this extra HTML. See any of the many examples on these pages for more detail.