9 Difference between Applet and Application in Java
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
What is Java Applet?
An applet is a small application that performs specific operations or functions. It is a utility program which 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.
What is an Application in Java?
A Java application is a standalone java program that runs on 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…
Difference between Applet and Application in Java:
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 Aapplet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Definition | An application is a standalone Java program which can be run independently on client/server without the need of 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 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. |
Examples [Java Applet Vs Application]:
Here are examples of Java application and applet. You can test these programming codes by running on your system.
Java Application Code Example:
public class MyApplication {
public static void main(String args[ ])
{
System.out.println(“Hello, Welcome to csestack.org”);
}
}
Java Applet Code Example:
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 which 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 question, you can ask me by commenting below.
Happy Learning!
Comments
Mukul
Nice explanation
Pranati
Thank you 🙂
Ameya acharya
Brilliantly explained.. you’ve got some serious knowledge!!
Pranati
Thank you so much !! 🙂
Asma
Thank you.
Pranati
You’re welcome, Asma!
Jay
Well explained… At least I now get the differences. Thank you!
Pranati Paidipati
Thank you so much Jay! We are glad to know that the article helped you. 😊