In this article, I will be explaining the complete difference between Applet and Application in Java along with coding examples. Before this, let’s see the definition of Java applet and application.
Table of Contents
An applet is a small application that performs specific operations or functions. It is a utility program that is loaded from the webserver and executed by the web browser.
Applets are designed to be embedded within the HTML page, thereby, providing functionalities that a simple HTML page cannot provide.
A Java application is a standalone java program that runs on a client or server.
It is a program that runs on itself as and when the main() method of any specific class is executed. An application has a functionality that benefits the user or some other java application.
Still confused? Let’s see the differences…
In other words, how is Java Applet different from Java Application?
The major differences between an applet and an application in JAVA are as follows:
| Sr.No. | Characteristic | Java Application | Java Applet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Definition | An application is a standalone Java program that can be run independently on a client/server without the need for a web browser. | An applet is a form of Java program which is embedded with an HTML page and loaded by a web server to be run on a web browser. |
| 2. | main() method | The execution of the program starts from the main() method. | There is no requirement of main() method for the execution of the program. |
| 3. | Access Restrictions | The application can access local disk files/ folders and the network system. | The applet doesn’t have access to the local network files and folders. |
| 4. | GUI | It doesn’t require any Graphical User Interface (GUI). | It must run within a GUI. |
| 5. | Security | It is a trusted application and doesn’t require much security. | It requires high-security constraints as applets are untrusted. |
| 6. | Environment for Execution | It requires Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for its successful execution. | It requires a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, etc for its successful execution. |
| 7. | Installation | It is explicitly run and installed on a local system. An applet doesn’t have access to local files and so it cannot perform read and write operations on files stored on the local disk. | It doesn’t require any explicit installation to be done. |
| 8. | Read/ Write Operation | An application can perform read and write operations on files stored on the local disk. | An applet doesn’t have access to local files so you cannot perform read and write operations on files stored on the local disk. |
Here are examples of Java application and applet. You can test these programming codes by running them on your system.
public class MyApplication {
public static void main(String args[ ]) {
System.out.println("Hello, Welcome to csestack.org");
}
}
import java.awt.*;
import java.applet.*;
public class Myclass extends Applet {
public void init() { }
public void start() { }
public void stop() {}
public void destroy() {}
public void paint(Graphics g) {}
}
Conclusion
Java Applications and Java Applets in perspective with Java are two varied types of programs that are different in function. But both have their own particular usage and magnitude.
Further Reading:
Hope this difference between Applet and Application in Java clears your doubt. If you have any questions, you can ask me by commenting below.
Happy Learning!
I am a graduate in computer science with a creative bent of mind for writing content. With great gusto, I enjoy learning new things. I trail in database management system, and object-oriented programming languages like Java, C/C++.
Nice explanation
Thank you 🙂
It is true best 👍
Brilliantly explained.. you’ve got some serious knowledge!!
Thank you so much !! 🙂
Thank you.
You’re welcome, Asma!
Well explained… At least I now get the differences. Thank you!
Thank you so much Jay! We are glad to know that the article helped you. 😊