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javaswingapplet

What's the difference between Java Swing & Java Applets

I've got a question today and would like to know which would be better to use in Java development. Which would be better to use: Java Swing OR Java Applet. I am new to Java development and have been confused between the two.

  • If you were creating a game which would be better to use.
  • Which is better to understand and uses less lines ect.
  • Which is light weight?

Any questions would be awesome!

Solution

  • Swing is a set of platform independent UI tools (JButton, JScrollBar, etc.). It guarantees that your user interface design will look the same on different platforms. An applet is an app that runs inside a browser or other hosted environment. An applet can use Swing UI, but doesn't need to.

    Personally, I wouldn't develop a game in either if it's graphics intensive. If you want lightweight, I would suggest using JavaScript in Chrome's V8. Check out Chrome's developer showcase. They're doing amazing things with Javascript these days.