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Applet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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applet

[ˈæplɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

computer software

An applet is a small application designed to perform a specific task within a larger application, often embedded in a web page. It is typically written in Java or other programming languages and runs in a web browser or a compatible framework. Applets are interactive and can provide functionality such as animations or user interface enhancements.

Synonyms

mini program, small application, widget.

Examples of usage

  • The web page loaded an applet to display the chart.
  • She developed an applet to manage her online calendar.
  • The game features a Java applet that enhances the graphics.
  • Many educational websites use applets for interactive learning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Applet programs can be embedded in web pages, making them interactive and engaging for users.
  • Java was famously used to create applets that run in web browsers, allowing animations and games to flourish online.
  • Security has always been a concern, leading to restrictions on what applets can access to protect users' data.

Pop Culture

  • In the early 2000s, applets played a role in successful online games and entertainment apps, becoming a trend in digital media.
  • The popularity of applets contributed to the rise of app stores, as developers sought to create more user-friendly applications.
  • Animations and graphics in early internet culture often relied on applets, making the web feel more dynamic and lively.

Education

  • Applet technology is frequently used in educational software to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
  • They allow students to experiment with concepts in science and mathematics through visual simulations.
  • The ability to run applets in a browser makes them accessible for remote teaching and online education.

Design

  • Applet design emphasizes user experience, focusing on simplicity and the ease of performing tasks with minimal clicks.
  • Visual aesthetics are critical, as applets need to be not only functional but also engaging and visually appealing.
  • Responsive design principles apply to applets to ensure they work well on various devices like phones, tablets, and desktops.

Origin of 'applet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'applet' combines 'apple' with the suffix '-let,' which means 'small.'
  • It was first used in the tech world during the 1990s as computers began to support small programs.
  • The concept was inspired by the idea of small tools or widgets that can enhance functionality.

The term 'applet' originates from the combination of 'application' and the diminutive suffix '-let,' which suggests something smaller or lesser in scale. The use of 'applet' became prominent in the 1990s with the rise of Java programming language, which introduced applets as a way to bring interactive content to web pages. Unlike standalone applications, applets run in a web browser context, often enabling developers to create richer user experiences on the internet. As web technologies have evolved, the use of applets has declined, largely replaced by more modern solutions such as HTML5 and JavaScript, which fulfill similar roles without requiring special plug-ins.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,443, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.