Java is an entire programming language resembling C or
C++. It takes a sophisticated programmer to create Java code. And it requires a
sophisticated programmer to maintain it. With Java, you can create complete
applications. Or you can attach a small group of instructions, a Java "applet"
that improves your basic HTML. A Java Applet can also cause text to change color
when you roll over it. A game, a calendar, a scrolling text banner can all be
created with Java Applets. There are sometimes compatibility problems between
Java and various browsers, operating systems or computers, and if not written
correctly, it can be slow to load. Java is a powerful programming language with
excellent security, but you need to be aware of the tradeoffs.
What is JSP ?
Short for Java Server Page. A server-side technology,
Java Server Pages are an extension to the Java servlet technology that was
developed by Sun. JSPs have dynamic scripting capability that works in tandem
with HTML code, separating the page logic from the static elements -- the actual
design and display of the page -- to help make the HTML more functional(i.e.
dynamic database queries). A JSP is translated into Java servlet before being
run, and it processes HTTP requests and generates responses like any servlet.
However, JSP technology provides a more convenient way to code a servlet.
Translation occurs the first time the application is run. A JSP translator is
triggered by the .jsp file name extension in a URL. JSPs are fully interoperable
with servlets. You can include output from a servlet or forward the output to a
servlet, and a servlet can include output from a JSP or forward output to a JSP.
JSPs are not restricted to any specific platform or server.
It was orignially created as an alternative to Microsoft's ASPs (Active Server Pages). Recently,
however, Microsoft has countered JSP technology with its own ASP.NET, part of
the .NET initiative.
When new technologies start, they sometimes acquire names that will be
Netscape that writes commands to your browser when the HTML page is loaded.
Note: you can have compatibility issues with Java Script, especially in newer
versions of Browsers.