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Difference Between Applet and Application in Java: Features, Benefits, and Uses

Difference Between Applet and Application in Java: Features, Benefits, and Uses

Q: 1. What is the main difference between a Java applet and a Java application?

A Java applet runs within a web browser or applet viewer, whereas a Java application runs independently on a system and does not rely on a browser.

Q: 2. Can Java applets still be used in modern web development?

No, Java applets have become obsolete due to security issues, lack of browser support, and the rise of more efficient technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript.

Q: 3. What are the security risks associated with Java applets?

Java applets run in a sandboxed environment, but due to their ability to interact with web browsers, they pose security risks, including the potential to access sensitive system resources or execute malicious code.

Q: 4. Why are Java applications considered more suitable for modern software development?

Java applications are more flexible, scalable, and capable of handling complex tasks such as enterprise systems, desktop software, and server-side applications. They also have full access to system resources, unlike applets.

Q: 5. Can Java applications be deployed on multiple platforms?

Yes, Java applications can be deployed on any system with the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed, ensuring platform independence.

Q: 6. What are the lifecycle methods in Java applets?

Java applets have lifecycle methods such as init(), start(), stop(), and destroy() that manage their behavior during their execution within a web browser or applet viewer.

Q: 7. What programming concepts are shared between Java applets and applications?

Both Java applets and applications use object-oriented programming (OOP) principles, Java APIs, and similar coding techniques like exception handling and threading.

Q: 8. What are some examples of Java applications?

Java applications include desktop tools (e.g., media players, IDEs), enterprise applications (e.g., CRM systems), and server-side applications (e.g., web servers and databases).

Q: 9. How does the execution speed of Java applications compare to applets?

Java applications typically execute faster than applets because they run directly on the JVM and are not restricted by a browser's controlled environment.

Q: 10. What is the role of the main() method in a Java application?

The main() method serves as the entry point for a Java application, where execution begins when the program is launched.

By Pavan Vadapalli

Updated on Jan 29, 2025 | 9 min read | 1.2k views

Table of Contents

Java is a powerful, versatile programming language widely used for building a variety of applications, ranging from web-based platforms to desktop and mobile solutions. Its platform independence, reliability, and vast community support make it a preferred choice for developers worldwide.

In the Java ecosystem, understanding the difference between applets and applications is crucial for developers as these two concepts serve different purposes, especially in the context of user interfaces and deployment environments. While applets are designed to run in web browsers, applications are standalone programs that run directly on the user's system.

This blog will explain the difference between applets and applications in Java, focusing on their respective features, advantages, and practical use cases. Providing you with a better understanding on how to choose between the two based on your specific development needs and the type of Java projects you are working on.

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What Is Applet in Java?

An applet is a small Java program that is designed to be embedded within a web page and run inside a web browser or an applet viewer. Unlike traditional desktop applications, applets do not need to be installed on the user's machine. They are downloaded and executed directly from the web page, allowing for interactive content like games, animations, or calculators.

Features:

HTML and Browser Dependency: To run an applet, it must be embedded in an HTML page. The user’s web browser must also support the Java plugin (which is now outdated) for the applet to function properly.
Security Restrictions: Applets operate in a controlled environment known as the sandbox. This sandbox restricts the applet's ability to access sensitive information on the user's machine, such as files or system resources, to protect against malicious actions.
Applet Class and Lifecycle Methods: Applets rely on the Applet class in Java. This class contains special lifecycle methods that control the applet’s behavior:
- init(): Called when the applet is first loaded.
- start(): Invoked after the init() method when the applet becomes active.
- stop(): Called when the applet is no longer in use.
- destroy(): Invoked when the applet is unloaded or the browser window is closed.
Limited Access to Local Resources: Applets cannot access the local file system or execute system-level commands. This ensures that they cannot make changes to the user’s machine or access personal files.

Must Read: Applet In Java Explained

Benefits:

Platform Independence: Applets are platform-independent, meaning they can run on any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) as long as the browser supports Java. This makes them useful for applications that need to be accessed by users on different platforms.
Lightweight and Fast: Applets are small in size and designed for quick execution. They are ideal for simple tasks like interactive graphics, animations, or small web-based games, providing fast and responsive user experiences.

Uses:
Historically, applets were widely used to enhance web pages with interactive content, such as games, online calculators, animations, and small visualizations.

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Java Tutorial

What Is Application in Java?

A Java application is a standalone program that runs directly on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is the engine responsible for executing Java bytecode. Unlike applets, Java applications are not dependent on web browsers and can be executed independently on any system with the JVM installed. They are typically designed for more complex tasks and can be used for both desktop and server-side applications.

Features:

No Dependency on a Browser or Web Page: Java applications run directly on the operating system and do not need a web browser or an HTML page to function. This makes them versatile and capable of running in various environments, including desktop computers and servers.
Full Access to System Resources: Unlike applets, which are restricted in terms of system access, Java applications have full access to the system's resources, including the file system, network, and hardware. This allows them to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple calculations to complex data processing.
Uses the main() Method as the Entry Point: A Java application typically starts execution from a method called main(). This method serves as the entry point for the program, and the code within it is executed when the application is launched.

Must Read: Top 30+ Java Web Application Technologies You Should Master in 2025

Benefits:

Suitable for Complex, Large-Scale Software Systems: Java applications are well-suited for developing more advanced, large-scale software solutions. They can handle complex business logic, database interactions, and user interfaces, making them ideal for enterprise-level systems.
Greater Flexibility and Scalability: Java applications provide greater flexibility and scalability compared to applets. They can be easily extended with new features and scaled to accommodate larger workloads, whether deployed on a single machine or across a distributed network.

Uses:
Java applications are used for a variety of purposes, including:

Desktop Applications: These include tools like Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), calculators, media players, and office software.
Server-Side Programs: Java is also widely used for server-side applications, such as web servers, databases, and enterprise-level software solutions.
Enterprise Software: Many large businesses rely on Java applications for their enterprise software systems, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and other business-critical applications.

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Differences Between Applet and Application in Java

Java applets and applications are both Java programs, but they differ significantly in terms of execution, functionality, and use cases. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right approach based on your project requirements. Below is a table outlining the key distinctions between Java applets and applications.

Aspect	Java Application	Java Applet
Definition	A standalone Java program that runs independently on the system, without requiring a web browser.	A small Java program embedded in an HTML document that requires a Java-enabled web browser or applet viewer for execution.
Execution Environment	Runs directly on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) without needing external tools like web browsers.	Executes within a web browser or applet viewer.
Entry Point	Requires a main() method as the entry point for execution.	Does not use a main() method; instead, lifecycle methods like init(), start(), stop(), and destroy() are used.
Compilation and Execution	Compiled using the javac command and executed with the java command.	Compiled using the javac command but executed using the appletviewer command or a Java-enabled web browser.
File Access	Has unrestricted access to the local file system and network resources.	Restricted from accessing the local file system and network for security reasons.
Access Level	Can access all system resources, including memory, files, and peripherals.	Limited to browser-specific services and cannot directly access local system resources.
Installation Requirement	Must be installed on the local system to execute.	Does not require installation; loaded directly from a web server via an HTML page.
Connectivity with Servers	Can establish connections with any server as required.	Restricted from connecting to servers other than the one it was downloaded from.
Read and Write Operations	Supports reading and writing files on the local system.	Prohibited from performing read and write operations on local files for security.
Security	Runs in a trusted environment without significant security restrictions.	Executes in a sandboxed environment with stringent security policies.
Dependency on Browser	Does not require a browser and operates independently of HTML or web technologies.	Embedded in HTML documents and dependent on browser support for execution.
Lifecycle Methods	Only uses the main() method to manage execution flow.	Lifecycle is managed through specific methods like init(), start(), stop(), and destroy().
Network Dependency	Does not depend on network resources to execute.	Often relies on being loaded from a network server.
Execution Speed	Faster execution due to direct interaction with the JRE.	Slower execution because it runs in a browser's controlled environment.
Usage Scope	Commonly used for developing complex software like enterprise applications, desktop tools, and services.	Previously used for web-based interactive tasks but now obsolete due to modern web technologies.

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Similarities Between Applet and Application in Java

Despite their differences in execution and use cases, Java applets and applications share several similarities. Here are the key similarities between them:

Java Programming Language:
Applets and applications are both developed using Java, which follows object-oriented principles like inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction.
Java APIs, Libraries, and Classes:
Both types of programs utilize Java’s rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), libraries, and built-in classes to handle tasks such as networking, data processing, and graphics rendering.
JVM Dependency:
Execution of both applets and applications depends on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which translates the compiled bytecode and ensures platform independence and efficient memory management.
Common Coding Techniques:
Exception handling (using try, catch, and finally) and multithreading for concurrent execution are common coding techniques supported by both applets and applications, allowing them to manage errors and perform tasks simultaneously.

Learn more about OOP Principles with this detailed Principles of OOP Tutorial

Conclusion

While both Java applets and applications are written in Java and share key similarities such as object-oriented principles and reliance on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), the difference between applet and application in Java becomes evident in their execution, functionality, and use cases.

The decision between choosing an applet or an application primarily depends on the project’s features, benefits, and requirements. Although applets were once favored for simple, interactive web-based content, the flexibility and scalability of Java applications make them the preferred option today for tasks ranging from desktop tools to enterprise software.

With the decline of applets and their discontinuation in many browsers, the difference between applet and application in Java is becoming even more pronounced, as Java applications remain crucial in software development, powering everything from mobile apps to large-scale enterprise solutions.

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