Purpose of discussing the difference between Application and Applet
The purpose of discussing the difference between applications and applets is to understand the unique characteristics and capabilities of each type of software. Understanding the difference can help in choosing the appropriate tool for a specific task or project, as well as identifying the potential limitations and security risks of using one type over the other. Additionally, understanding the difference can help developers make informed decisions when designing and building software, as well as end-users in determining which type of software is best suited for their needs. It is also important to know the difference between the two when it comes to security as applets are limited in their access to the client’s machine and thus are less prone to security vulnerabilities.
Definition of Application
An application, also known as a software application or simply an “app,” is a computer program designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks. Applications can be run on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. They are designed to be standalone programs that can be installed and run independently on a user’s device. Applications can be built for a variety of operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, and mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. Examples of common applications include word processors, web browsers, games, and media players. These applications have full access to the client’s machine, and have more capabilities than applets.
Definition of Applet
An applet is a small, specialized application that is designed to run within another application, typically a web browser. Applets are typically written in Java and are executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). They are designed to be embedded within a web page and run in a web browser, rather than as standalone programs. Applets are typically used for providing interactive content on web pages, such as animations, games, and forms. They are also used for performing simple tasks such as data validation, and are downloaded by the browser from a web server and executed locally on the user’s device. However, unlike applications, applets are not allowed to access the client’s machine, file system and system resources. This is done for security reasons as it limits the potential for malicious code to cause harm to the client’s machine or steal sensitive information.
Differences between Application and Applet
- Functionality: Applications are standalone programs that can be installed and run independently on a user’s device. They have full access to the client’s machine and have more capabilities than applets. On the other hand, applets are small, specialized applications that are designed to run within a web browser and provide interactive content on web pages.
- Execution: Applications are executed by the operating system on the user’s device, while applets are executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) within the web browser.
- Security: Applications have full access to the client’s machine and its resources, which can be a security risk if the application contains malicious code. Applets, on the other hand, are limited in their access to the client’s machine, which makes them less prone to security vulnerabilities. This is why applets are executed in a “sandbox” environment, which provides a secure environment for executing the code and limits its access to the client’s machine.
- Distribution: Applications are typically distributed through app stores or direct download, while applets are embedded within web pages and downloaded by the browser from a web server when the page is accessed.
- Development: Applications can be developed using a variety of programming languages and frameworks, while applets are typically written in Java.
- Compatibility: Applications are designed to work on specific operating systems and devices, while applets are designed to be platform-independent and can run on any device that has a compatible web browser and Java Virtual Machine installed.
Conclusion
Applications and Applets are different types of software that serve different purposes and have different capabilities. Applications are standalone programs that can be installed and run independently on a user’s device, while applets are small, specialized applications that are designed to run within a web browser and provide interactive content on web pages. Understanding the difference between the two is important when it comes to choosing the appropriate tool for a specific task or project, and identifying the potential limitations and security risks of using one type over the other. Developers should also take into consideration the difference when designing and building software and end-users should be aware of the difference when determining which type of software is best suited for their needs.
