When Java was poured into the high-tech world, it was greeted more as if it was manna from heaven than a new object-oriented programming language. Admittedly, for those who regard the World Wide Web as the ultimate pinnacle in the history of humankind (yup, even better than sliced bread), Java has opened the way for several innovations, such as increased interactivity.
Numerous books hoping to lure readers with offers of Java guidance have been brewed of late, and Hooked on Java (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company:1996) is one of the better ones. Authors Arthur van Hoff, Sami Shaio, and Orca Starbuck teach users how to build Web sites using applets varying from the simple constructions supplied on the book's CD-ROM to the reader's own intricate creations.
The authors bring to this book a wealth of experience: van Hoff is the author of the Java compiler and Shaio wrote and implemented the Java user interface toolkit. Starbuck too was involved in Sun Microsystem's Java project (seems too good to believe that's a real name, eh?). Despite their high-tech backgrounds, the trio take care to couch their explanations in language that even those with minimal knowledge of HTML can follow. Fear not if you lack in-depth knowledge of HTML and/or programming; the precise directions provided in this book do not require such a background.
If you're like most - you know that Java is hot, and that Sun is keepin' it perkin', but that's about it - don't skip the introductory material. You'll finally come to understand just what are Java applets, "plain" Java, and HotJava. The authors give you a nice variety of Java-related URLs, as well. And the CD-ROM includes the Java Developers Kit for Windows 95, NT, and Solaris 2.x in addition to isolated applets and Web pages already applet-furnished.
Be sure to read the chapters in order: trying to jump to the "Cool Applets" chapter that describes the CD-ROM's applets before you read "Applets Explained" will leave you - and your Web page - in the dark. You gotta learn how to plug in those applets before you can use and customize them. For those of you addicted to Java, the "Java In Depth" and "Building an Applet" chapters provide sufficiently rich brews to quench your thirst.
Whether you're content to borrow others' applets or joyously create your own, don't miss Appendix B, "Places to Go". You'll get some additional Java-related URLs there.