Applet to Javascript communication

[Allen Bandela]

Hi:
I would like to know how I can pass data from my applet class to my java script html page. is it possible? i could call a method in my applet from the javascript, but is the reverse possible? Thanks

[Ulf Dittmer]

Welcome to JavaRanch.

Yes, that's possible. The technology you're loooking for is called LiveConnect, and the Applet FAQ has more detail on how it works.

[Allen Bandela]

Thanks Dittmer.

I have a problem and I am confused as of how I should go about it.

I have to put up a textfield, a button and a list on my webpage. Should I do that with my applet class, implementing actionlistner interface for the button, or should I do it in java script and pass the text field data to my applet ( by getparameter()) for furthur processing using getparamter(). Which is better?

Being inclined to using an applet, is there a way I can put my text fields at the position I want them on my webpage by using the repaint() method?

Thank you

[Ulf Dittmer]

I'm not sure what you're trying to do, or whether a JavaScript/applet hybrid is the best way to go about it - why are you inclined to use an applet?

getParameter has nothing to do with LiveConnect. It picks up parameters from the applet tag, which can't be changed later.

paint/repaint draws in the applet. It can't position elements on the web page itself.

[Allen Bandela]

What I'm really trying to do is implement a search engine for my website. (I am not implementing an actual search engine though, only an index of keywords matched to certain parts of my website. )
I want to display a typical search box and a list to display the results. I wanted to do it in an applet, because I don't know about liveconnect and I have to use applet to parse the search keywords. I'm trying to figure out how I can use layout managers, maybe, to display my user interface at a particular position on my webpage.

Like if I wanted my user interface of the applet on the upper right, so as not to disturb the rest of the webpage, can I do it?

[Ulf Dittmer]

You can position your applet wherever you want it, but that's an HTML issue. Wrap the applet tag inside a DIV, which you can style and position to your hearts content using CSS. Layout managers control how the various GUI elements of an applet are positioned inside the applet. An applet has no control over where it gets placed on a web page.