Title:  Is Java supported on the Uniform Access computers?

Question:
Is Java supported on any of the Uniform Access computers? Is there a way for
me to compile Java applets, run Java applications, or use Java applets in my
Web pages?

Answer:
The simple answer is yes. Java is supported. To learn how and where, see:

   http://www.washington.edu/computing/software/clusters/java.html

The remainder of this answer is maintained for historical purposes. It may
be informative and/or entertaining.

First, let's clarify the distinction between Java "applets" and Java
"applications." This will make it easier to describe where you can employ
and deploy Java-based technology on the Uniform Access computers. 

Java applets are pieces of compiled Java bytecode that can be served by
any Web server and run by Web browsers with a built-in Java Virtual
Machine (VM). Netscape Navigator and some versions of Microsoft Internet
Explorer fit this bill. Java applets derive their graphical user interface
(GUI) features from the browser. 

Java applications are stand-alone applications in and of themselves and
don't necessarily have a GUI interface; they can be command line programs,
for example, and may not have a user interface at all, as in the case of a
server daemon. To run a Java application you need a Java VM. 

SUPPORT FOR JAVA APPLICATIONS

The JDK (which includes a Java VM) is installed on Mead and
Goodall, as well as the Web development environments for Dante and Homer.
For more information, refer to:

   Java on C&C Computers
   http://www.washington.edu/computing/software/clusters/java.html

   Web Development Environments (Vergil & Ovid)
   http://www.washington.edu/computing/web/publishing/environs.html


SUPPORT FOR JAVA APPLETS

You can compile Java applets from source code using the aforementioned JDK
and its compiler (javac). 

If you have pre-compiled applets (i.e. applet .class files) you can embed
them in your Web pages. C&C does not restrict the use of Java applets on
the central UW Web servers. That would be silly.