Java Application is just like a Java program that runs on an underlying operating system with the support of a virtual machine. It is also known as an application program. The graphical user interface is not necessary to execute the java applications, it can be run with or without it.
Java Applet is a Java program that can be embedded into a web page. It runs inside the web browser and works on the client-side. An applet is embedded in an HTML page using the APPLET or OBJECT tag and hosted on a web server. Applets are used to make the website more dynamic and entertaining.
The difference between Application and Applet:
| Parameters | Java Application | Java Applet |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Applications are just like a Java program that can be executed independently without using the web browser. | Applets are small Java programs that are designed to be included with the HTML web document. They require a Java-enabled web browser for execution. |
| main () method | The application program requires a main() method for its execution. | The applet does not require the main() method for its execution instead init() method is required. |
| Compilation | The “javac” command is used to compile application programs, which are then executed using the “java” command. | Applet programs are compiled with the “javac” command and run using either the “appletviewer” command or the web browser. |
| File access | Java application programs have full access to the local file system and network. | Applets don’t have local disk and network access. |
| Access level | Applications can access all kinds of resources available on the system. | Applets can only access browser-specific services. They don’t have access to the local system. |
| Installation | First and foremost, the installation of a Java application on the local computer is required. | The Java applet does not need to be installed beforehand. |
| Execution | Applications can execute the programs from the local system. | Applets cannot execute programs from the local machine. |
| Program | An application program is needed to perform some tasks directly for the user. | An applet program is needed to perform small tasks or part of them. |
| Run | It cannot run on its own; it needs JRE to execute. | It cannot start on its own, but it can be executed using a Java-enabled web browser. |
| Connection with servers | Connectivity with other servers is possible. | It is unable to connect to other servers. |
| Read and Write Operation | It supports the reading and writing of files on the local computer. | It does not support the reading and writing of files on the local computer. |
| Security | Application can access the system’s data and resources without any security limitations. | Executed in a more restricted environment with tighter security. They can only use services that are exclusive to their browser. |
| Restrictions | Java applications are self-contained and require no additional security because they are trusted. | Applet programs cannot run on their own, necessitating the maximum level of security. |
