Java allows code to be dynamically loaded over network connections and as shared libraries
in the Java Run-time environment. However, if Java is to be used for applications programming it will also be necessary for programmers to load byte code from files found at runtime to allow program extensibility. These are commonly referred to as plug-ins. The goal of a Java Plug-in API would not be to set a standard for interaction with plug-ins, but to provide a standard way to find and load plug-ins and plug-in related information.
The Java Plug-in API is designed to provide programmers with an easy way to, locate and load plug-ins
. A plug-in is a unit of code designed to be dynamically loaded at program start or run time to extend program features. Examples include browser plug-ins allowing the addition of new media handlers and Adobe® Photoshop® plug-ins allowing for additional filters, importers and exporters.
|
jwalker@cs.oberlin.edu |