JDK 1.4 Tutorial, eDoc 3 : Creating Web-borne Applications with Java Web Start

Java Web Start is a technology for distributing commercial-grade applications over the web. Like an applet, a Java Web Start application lives on a web page. However, it does not have the disadvantages of applets. It lives on the local disk, so it doesn't have to be downloaded each time. It can also be updated automatically and transparently, making software updates and configuration trivial.

This e-doc describes the architecture of Java Web Start, and takes you through the creation, configuration, and installation of a Java Web Start application. For security reasons, Java Web Start applications have special restrictions; you'll learn how to use them to your advantage, and gain access to crucial system resources from within the Java Web Start "sandbox".

This e-doc will show you how to:

• Install Java Web Start
• Execute a Java Web Start program
• Install a Java Web Start application
• Configure a web server to handle Java Web Start applications
• Configure a web browser to handle Java Web Start applications
• Create a JNLP file
• Read and write files from within a Java Web Start program
• Print text and graphics from within a Java Web Start program
• Access other system resources from within a Java Web Start program
• Access the system clipboard

Sample programs included in this chapter:

• A simple drawing program that uses all of the system resources available to a Java Web Start program