HELP! * GREY=local LOCAL HTML version of Foils prepared January 8,96

Foil 7 Java/HotJava Alpha vs JDK Beta (contd)

From Overview of Java SC95 Tutorial on Web Technologies -- December 4,95. by NPAC Team * See also color IMAGE
Beta JDK appeared after a series licensing successes and it claims to be compatible with ongoing Java implementations by all licensees, most notably Netscape. Beta JDK includes:
  • Java source for the foundation classes (modified and incompatible with alpha)
  • appletviewer to run/preview applets
  • tools for converting alpha applets to beta applets.
  • Source code for the interpreter in absent.
  • There is also no browser package and no beta HotJava yet --- current users are given an option to use Netscape2 or just preview beta applets using appletviewer and wait for beta HotJava (with unknown release date).
The choice between Alpha and Beta depends on why and how do you want to use Java.
  • If you want to acquire in-depth knowledge of Java and use in Browsers, start with Alpha which is a complete technology release
  • If you just want to decorate your pages and to develop cute applets viewable by Netscape2, you must use beta as alpha is not compatible with Netscape2.

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