Applets are platform-independent programs written in the Java Programming Language and embedded, like images, in HTML documents. HotJava lets users access applications over the Internet in a whole new way. One of the most exciting features of HotJava is that the software moves transparently over the network from a remote server, with no installation required. For example, Figure 2 depicts a demonstration applet program. Here, the heads bounce quickly inside of an applet window running inside of the HotJava browser.
Applets can execute without a continuous connection to a remote server on the Internet.
And because Java is completely open, developers can build applets that can handle streaming data from the server, including video broadcasts, stock feeds, sound such as Real Audio, and so on. Developers can define the application, as well as the way the application communicates with other resources such as database servers, video servers, and audio servers. The use of the HotJava program execution model means that content developers for the World Wide Web don't need to concern themselves with the fact that users may not have installed and configured a special piece of software required to view data. With HotJava, it happens automatically, as long as the user is running a browser that supports HotJava, or running the HotJava browser. This is browser-dependent technology.