Java!

Writing Web pages was what got me into learning Java - a network-friendly, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Who could resist the promise of running applets inside a WWW page, having just about anyone with a Java-capable browser - on any platform - run your code? I was sold.

I've had my share of teething troubles and nightmares with Java, and probably bought more than my fair share of (expensive) books. But now I'm making some progress, and boy is this language better than the alternatives - pages of code to open windows in C or C++, the horrendous problems of getting Visual Basic to run even on slightly different *Microsoft* platforms.

Anyway, here are my offerings to the Java Universe. If you want applets, then please, share and enjoy. :)

Java Today...

Java support in browsers is now widespread, and is currently settled at implementing Java Release 1.1. As of the release (December 98) of the 'newest' Java version - 1.2 - I know of no browser that supports it.

Visit the home of Java
Download the latest Java Devlopment Kit, JDK 1.2, free from Sun's site

Java Books

Here are some Java books that I actually own, and have used to help me understand and learn the language. One or two I bought in the wrong order - now that I have a little more experience in Java, they're becoming more useful. In no particular order:

Teach Yourself Java In 21 Days: Professional Reference Edition - Lemay, Perkins et al do a good job of guiding the novice gently into Java. Worth acquiring.
The Java Tutorial Second Edition: Object Oriented Programming for the Internet - this is the book you should buy after '21 Days'. It is extremely good, but you need that basic understanding first. A must-have.
Principles of Object-Oriented Programming in Java 1.1 - I bought this and have flicked through it a couple of times. I'm *sure* it is interesting, no really.
Java Examples In A Nutshell Mmm. Also interesting. Nice if you like to see examples of code that does something similar to what you want. Value for money.
Java Primer Plus - yes, if you're a C programmer. When I bought this book I started regretting it; I've recently changed my mind. It is worthwhile, but not if you're just starting out.
Teach Yourself More Java In 21 Days - Another one I must look at again sometime.

Applets

Here are applets that I've written, and that you are welcome to take, compile and use. Everything is here: the Java source (*.java), the executable(s) (*.class), and instructions for getting the applet to run. These should all run correctly on a current browser, that has support for Java V1.1.

If you use any of these, please mention somewhere on your site that I wrote them; more particularly, please don't say *you* did! :)

RandomPix: Displays a random image

Java source: RandomPix.java
Class file: RandomPix.class

I use this applet to change some images on my homepage. Check the page source, or the .java file to see how I use it.

ImageMap: A simple 'changing image' imagemap

Java source: ImageMap.java
Class file: ImageMap.class

I'm still testing and refining this applet. It works well, but there are a few things I want to modify slightly (never satisfied, y'see). However, it's a good one to use as is. If you want to see it in action, check this page. Once again, check the page source or the .java file to see how I use it.

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