JAVA-JAVASCRIPT-CGI  [1: 2: 3: 4: 5:] 1. JAVA Java is a programming language used to create stand-alone applications. Two important features of Java include its portability to different computing systems, and its built-in Internet connectivity. Java is, however, a full-fledged programming language, recommended mainly for expert Web authors. Java applets are small applications which may be seamlessly integrated into a Web page to create such things as scrolling banners or animated buttons. Java applets allow for the use of some Java features without programming. [top] 2. JAVASCRIPT JavaScript is a scripting language created by Netscape in 1995. It shares some basic syntax with Java, but JavaScript is not a stand-alone programming language, it works only within a Web browser. It is not as powerful as Java, but it is much easier to learn and to use. JavaScript can be used to generate actions in response to mouse clicks or even to cursor movements. Those actions include, among others, opening new windows, adding text to a document in a frame, or changing an image on the page. One of the most useful attributes of JavaScript is the ability to work with form elements on a Web page without having to send the data to a Web server. All the interaction is within the user's Web browser. JavaScript is not translated into machine code like Java; it appears as text alongside the HTML used to generate the Web page. [top] 3. CGI (Common Gateway Interface) CGI scripting works with elements on a Web form such as radio buttons, checkboxes, or popup and text fields. It involves writing a program (e.g. Perl, C++) which resides on the server and goes into action once a user has submitted theWeb form. The CGI script takes the data from the form and typically analyzes it, stores it in a database, and sends feedback to the user in the form of a Web page.  [Example 1]  [Example 2]   [top] 4. JAVA-JAVASCRIPT-CGI (features) Java object-oriented programming language separate from HTML document runs on client (server-independent) JavaScript object-oriented scripting language usually contained in HTML document runs on client (server-independent) CGIs can be written in many languages separate from HTML document runs on server (browser-independent)   [top] 5. To learn more... Java and JavaScript Editors Forms Overview JavaScript Reference [top] [top] [back] [home]