Applet in Java vs. Servlet in Java: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 17, 2024
Java Applets are client-side, GUI-based programs, while Java Servlets are server-side, handling client requests and server responses.
Key Differences
Java Applets are small applications designed to run in a web browser's context, using a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). They are typically used for interactive features on web pages. Conversely, Java Servlets are server-side programs that extend the capabilities of servers hosting applications accessed via a request-response programming model.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Applets in Java are client-side programs, which means they run on the user's computer and are often embedded in web pages. Servlets in Java, on the other hand, operate on the server side, processing client requests and generating responses, usually in the form of HTML pages.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
The lifecycle of a Java Applet includes initialization, starting, stopping, and destruction, controlled by the web browser. In contrast, the lifecycle of a Java Servlet is managed by the servlet container and includes loading, instantiation, initialization, service, and destruction.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Security-wise, Java Applets are executed in a sandbox environment to prevent harmful activities on the client's machine. Java Servlets, being server-side, must handle security concerning data access and network security, as they interact with web servers and potentially sensitive data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
The primary use of Java Applets is to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) and enhance user interaction on web pages. Java Servlets are used for handling complex server-side processing, like interacting with databases and managing user sessions in web applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Execution Location
Client-side (in a web browser)
Server-side (on a web server)
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Primary Function
Enhancing user interaction with GUI
Processing client requests and generating server responses
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Feb 17, 2024
Lifecycle Management
Controlled by the web browser
Managed by the servlet container
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Security Focus
Sandbox environment for client safety
Server and data security
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Typical Use
Interactive features on web pages
Backend processing in web applications
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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Applet in Java and Servlet in Java Definitions
Applet in Java
A GUI-based Java program designed to run in the context of a browser.
The calculator on the site was implemented using a Java applet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Servlet in Java
A Java-based technology for dynamic web content generation.
The dynamic webpage content was generated using a Java servlet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Applet in Java
A Java application embedded within a webpage to provide interactive features.
The online game was actually a Java applet embedded in the site.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Servlet in Java
A server-side component in Java for managing web application requests.
The shopping cart's data was maintained by a Java servlet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Applet in Java
A small Java application that runs in a web browser.
The website used a Java applet for its interactive map feature.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
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Servlet in Java
A Java program that operates on the server to process client-server interactions.
The user authentication was performed by a Java servlet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Applet in Java
A client-side program written in Java for web-based interfaces.
He developed a Java applet to display dynamic charts on the webpage.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Servlet in Java
A server-side Java program for handling web requests and responses.
The login functionality was managed by a Java servlet on the server.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Applet in Java
A Java program that enhances web user experience with graphical elements.
The animated menu on the website was created using a Java applet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Servlet in Java
A Java application component that extends server capabilities.
He used a Java servlet to process form data submitted by users.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Where do Java Servlets run?
Java Servlets run on web servers, handling server-side processing.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What is a Java Applet?
A Java Applet is a small, client-side application that runs in a web browser using Java.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What does a Java Servlet do?
A Java Servlet processes web requests and generates responses on the server side.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are Java Applets still widely used?
Their usage has declined due to security concerns and advancements in web technologies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What is the lifecycle of a Java Servlet?
A Java Servlet's lifecycle includes loading, instantiation, initialization, service, and destruction.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How do Java Applets enhance web pages?
Applets provide interactive and dynamic content like games or charts on web pages.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can Java Applets access client resources?
Java Applets run in a sandbox, limiting their access to client resources for security.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How do Java Servlets handle data?
Servlets handle data through requests and responses, often involving databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What security measures are associated with Java Applets?
Applets run in a secure sandbox environment to prevent unauthorized access to client resources.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can Java Applets run offline?
Applets typically require a network connection to load but can run offline if designed to do so.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How are Java Applets distributed?
Applets are typically embedded in HTML pages and downloaded by the browser.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What's required to run a Java Applet?
A compatible web browser and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) are needed to run Applets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can Java Applets interact with databases?
While possible, database interactions are more commonly handled by Servlets or server-side technologies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Do Java Servlets generate HTML?
Yes, Servlets can generate HTML to create dynamic web page content.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Do Java Servlets support session management?
Yes, Servlets can manage user sessions in web applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can Java Applets communicate with servers?
Yes, Applets can communicate with servers, but they primarily run client-side.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are Java Servlets part of J2EE?
Yes, Servlets are a core component of Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE).
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What types of applications use Java Servlets?
Web applications, especially those requiring database interaction, use Servlets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What programming model do Java Servlets use?
Servlets use a request-response programming model for web applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is Java required on the client-side for Applets?
Yes, the client-side machine must have Java installed to run Applets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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