This weeks Giveaway

[Carl Trusiak]

This week we are giving away 4 copies of the book Java Deployment with JNLP and WebStart.
And the best part, the Author Mauro Marinilli is online to answer your questions.
Everyone give Mauro a warm JavaRanch welcome.
Thanks to the people at Sams Publishing for the books

[Hema Menon]

Welcome to the ranch, Mauro Marinilli. Thanks for being here. There isn't much books on Java Webstart. I guess this is also one of the great technologies that is being underestimated by many. Would like to know you thoughts.
Thanks,
Hema

[Anita P]

I am new Web Start and I think this is a great topic. Thanks to Mauro Marinilli for coming to javaranch and sharing the information.

[Doug Wang]

I recall the bitter experience when I fought against applet deployment, especially for Corba applet. Hope this book addresses this issue well.

[Fei Ng]

welcome Mauro Marinilli to the javaranch!
Is Web Start replacing Applet or some of the old Java features? I am interested in where it is going. I am pretty new to Web Start. THanks

[Mauro Marinilli]

Hello Everybody!
Thank you for your warm support.
It's a pleasure to partecipate in this Java forum.
I hope to be of some help.
JNLP can be seen as similar to the applet deployment model, but you can specify more features and deployment details by means of an ancillary special XML file, that is read by a native little application, called the JNLP Client that executes what declared into the JNLP file.
Note that is very easy to install the JNLP client the first time, because it can be installed as an usual web browser plug-in.
Finally, let me thank the guys at Sun for their though work.
So, I'm waiting for your questions!
Cheers,
Mauro

[Fei Ng]

Been reading the answers and questions!! They are very helpful!!
Ok, one more question. I am pretty new to webstart(very interesting) so i hope this is not a dumb question. I am concern about performance. Would we see better performance than applet VS webstart?
Download time? and compatibility with browsers?

[Mauro Marinilli]

Originally posted by FEI NG:

I am concerned about performance. Would we see better performance than applet VS webstart?
Download time? and compatibility with browsers?

Your question is fully answered in the book (see for example page 56 for a general discussion of this issue) I'll try to condense a lot, I hope Idon't I miss anything of important:
- Performance: yes, there a little slowdown, because the JNLP Client is an extra application running on its own..
- Download time: Roughly speaking is the same as the applet version only the first time the JNLP application is installed. Then it is cached locally so no other download is needed for any new session, though the JNLP Client needs some extra download time at first, of course.
- Compatibility is fully ensured with the major browsers.
Another parameter that you didn't mention (but that turns out to be quite important) is the impact on the end-user of the deployment technology. JNLP is much better than applets. That because usually you use it for thick application, not for 20KB-some applets. In the case of large applets, the browser hangs frustrating the user, while JNLP application of the same size leave full control to the programmer that can insert banners, messages and even split up the installation in several sessions. Basically JNLP allows for more control on complex/large deployments. This is essential for the end user.
Thanks,
Mauro

[Tim Voet]

hi everyone,
first of all thanks to Mauro for beeing here to enlighten us on WebStart and JNLP technologies.
I am some new to these technologies. I haev been using ( as a by-product ) at work, as our application is deployed using WebStart. I only recently joined the architectural team. I really enjoy some of the features, checking for newer versions to download at connection time, having everything located in one place, and the client fetching the app.
i would like to know what is in the pipeline for JNLP and WebStart, and your opinion of how it will affect the business.
Thanks
Tim

[Fei Ng]

I second on Tim's question.
Personally, how will webstart effect the business?
Do you see us in the future using Java to write applications for Window machine or other on client side?
Mostly java is on the server side and i dont see applcations in java on client side.

[Doug Wang]

Originally posted by FEI NG:
Mostly java is on the server side and i dont see applcations in java on client side.

Yes, ur right. When shift to client side, Java's weaknesses are exposed. I think it is J2EE(including ability processing xml) that earns java popularity.

[Fei Ng]

Doug, yes. I would love to see who is planning on using WebStart for their applications. Maybe a poll? I think Java is good for client applications now and with Webstart it is even better. Any opinion on this?

[Hema Menon]

Our team is currently in the process of developing an application which will be deployed using Webstart. The application enables configuration of our system using GUI editors and will be required by multiple clients. Web start provides us with an means to deploy our application thru a web interface, not to mention the advantages on constant updates if required.

[Fei Ng]

Originally posted by Menon Hema:
Our team is currently in the process of developing an application which will be deployed using Webstart. The application enables configuration of our system using GUI editors and will be required by multiple clients. Web start provides us with an means to deploy our application thru a web interface, not to mention the advantages on constant updates if required.

Menon, thanks for your reply.
Were there any other options beside webstart? just wondering.

"- Compatibility is fully ensured with the major browsers."
Just read the FAQ.
"What are the supported browsers?
JavaTM Web Start supports primarily Internet Explorer 4 or higher and Netscape 4.X. However JNLP files can be launched from any browser if the mime-type association is done correctly. Please note that JavaTM Web Start uses the browsers settings and may launch a browser to show a URL these may/may not work with unsupported browsers.
JavaTM Web Start works with Netscape 6. However, you will manually need to register JavaTM Web Start with NS6. This is done in the Navigator/Applications section of the Navigator/Helper Application section.
"
Do u guys think this is good ?? for end user?

[ April 19, 2002: Message edited by: FEI NG ]

[Michael Yuan]

Originally posted by FEI NG:


JavaTM Web Start works with Netscape 6. However, you will manually need to register JavaTM Web Start with NS6. This is done in the Navigator/Applications section of the Navigator/Helper Application section.
"
Do u guys think this is good ?? for end user?

Well, I think the value of JWS is mainly in deploying applications across intranet. To have the admin manually change MIME types for each user certainly beats to have them manually upgrade applications for each user.