Lucy Luo wrote:
Hi,
I'd like to create a "component" for web page. It should contain menu/
buttons and will have pop up dialogs. It should also be able to access
user's PC (installation of java/activeX is OK). The component will be
packaged so other web programmers can easily include it in their
pages. The component will be able to access and modify the information
on the host page too.
All the browsers need to be supported.
What is the best way and technology to go with this?
Thanks,
Lucy
Well,
Your webpage interaction part, needed for the menu/buttons/etc could best
be done with JavaScript.
Some thing to consider:
JavaScript is not able to access the clients PC in a meaningfull way
(luckily).
So if you want access to the client, you'll need (signed) Java applet, or an
ActiveX component.
Personally I trust ActiveX as far as the hacker next door, so I would advise
using real Java. Using Java also has the advantage that is actually runs on
a NOT Microsoft OS, increasing the reach of your component.
If you target only W$, you might as well go ActiveX.
Beware however that many users, like me, trust nothing, and don't like the
idea of giving some component full access to the machine.
If you can solve your task at hand with JavaScript only, I expect your
component will have better chances in gaining popularity.
If you need Java <---Javascript support, here is a good place to start:
http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs...ript_1.5_Guide
(Look at end of page)
Good luck
Regards,
Erwin Moller
