JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, AND MORE...
JAVA
JAVA is a powerful programming language. Applets made with JAVA can be seen all over the
web now. Applets such as scrolling phrases or flashing backgrounds have been stolen and
assimilated across the planet. There are a few people who still make their own applets,
but the general sentiment is "It's already there, why reinvent the wheel?" JAVA applets
fit nicely into HTML files and add pizazz to sites.
JAVASCRIPT
JavaScript is very much like JAVA in that they both possess similar powers. The major
difference between the two is that JAVA must be compiled into an executible file and
attached to an HTML document, whereas JavaScript can be left as script in an HTML
document and is compiled by a web browser on the spot. Both JAVA and JavaScript have
their advantages. JAVA's drawback is that it takes a long time to download and crashes
often. JavaScript's drawback is that it isn't as powerful as JAVA.
VBScript
I don't have an example, but
here's the place to start looking...
VBScript is a variant of the ever-popular Visual Basic. This scripting language, when
viewed by Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator, is the counterpart of JavaScript.
It is extremely similar in abilities, and the coding is different. Since
Internet Explorer
is their only browser that can compile VBscript, I will not have an example for you.
ACTIVE-X
I don't have an example, but
here's the place to start looking...
ACTIVE-X is Microsoft's reaction to JAVA. Active-X applets are much like java applets
with the Microsoft 'touch' added to it. It is also another step towards integration
to their future 'virtual desktop' which is in the works for Windows 97. Prepare to
be assimilated.
Dynamic HTML
DYNAMIC HTML is soon to be the rave. Up until now, HTML had a '2-D' limitation which
kept pages flat unless modified by applets and scripts. Now, with 'Layer' Technology,
pages can be made of several overlapping 'layers'. This allows for drop-down menu's and
moving items around on a web page. As of this time, Only netscape Communicator supports
Dynamic HTML.