Chapter 10

This chapter's discussion takes us into the world of scripting and applets. As the limitations of HTML were quickly recognized by those who wanted to add dynamic components to their Web sites, the skills of computer programmers were called upon. Stripped down versions of complex computer languages were offered as solutions. Common gateway interface (CGI) scripts written in languages such as Perl appeared on a number of Web sites, allowing such functions as sending email, submitting forms, querying databases, counting page visitors, etc. In 1996, early efforts with Java and JavaScript began to blossom into mini-industries centered around creating portable OS-independent Java applets and plug-and-play JavaScripts to handle a number of the chores previously assigned to CGI. Whether Java will become the computer language of networked computers is still in question. Is "Write Once, Run Anywhere" really possible? Non-programmers can now easily add active components to their Web sites, but knowledge of the syntax of these languages helps in being able to change parameters and troubleshoot problems. Given the plethora of applets now available, Web designers can modify existing multimedia applications or create new ones when needed using WYSIWYG software. Efforts to share applets abound. For example, in the educational field, projects such as Educom's IMS initiative create a way for educational applet designers to share their efforts with other faculty and speed the process of developing an Internet environment suitable for cooperative distance learning.

1. Isn't HTML enough? Why do I need interactive Web components?

One of the most common misconceptions about Web design is that once you've learned HTML, you can create state-of-the-art Web pages. While a fundamental knowledge of HTML is essential (or how to use a WYSIWYG HTML editor), HTML itself was not created to build dynamic Web sites. HTML was designed to permit authors to mark up text to include word processing features (bold, italic, etc.) to overcome ASCII text limitations, add hypertext links to other documents or within documents, and to embed graphics or other multimedia components. As HTML has progressed, additional features have been added to the mark-up language, allowing more precise placement of tables, more use of colors and other design elements, etc., but the language itself does not allow true interactivity. The initial goal was simple: to create a proto-language for displaying documents that could be accessed on all computers (UNIX, IBM PC clones, Macs) by using one tool, a Web browser. If this sounds a bit like the promises now made by Java to offer a universal operating system that will run on any computer platform, it is. The holy grail of networked computing remains the creation and adoption of an open standard that will allow all computer users to interact via the Internet, just like anyone with a telephone can call and talk to any other telephone user anywhere in the world.

An first ongoing attempt to add greater flexibility to HTML was the use of plug-ins. With plug-ins software designers can create in formats not supported by HTML. However, the process requires downloading and installing potentially dozens of plug-ins, all of which are periodically upgraded. Finally, most of these are various graphics, animation, and sound formats, intended to add multimedia support but not true interactivity.

To allow interactivity on Web pages requires the use of programming code (scripts). The generic name adopted for these scripts was Common Gateway Interface (CGI).

CGI scripts must be written in any language the server understands, and allows the addition of such functions as sending email, submitting forms, querying databases, accepting credit card information, counting page visitors, etc. One of the most frequently used languages for CGI is Perl. Perl was originally written by Larrry Wall for the purpose of extracting data from text files, thus the name Practical Extraction and Report Language (i.e. Perl). Perl is a cross between the programming languages C and Basic; it uses some of both methods. Actually, a CGI program can be written in any number of outher programming languages, including :

However, CGI scripts allow a user to directly access a server, creating potential security issues.

An alternative to using CGI scripts seemed impossible in 1995. However, there were some thinking about whether it is was possible to download interactive programs or applets via the Internet that would then run interactively on the user's computer. Given that only those on networks did not have bandwidth problems, any solution of this type would have to be simple and not require long download times. Sun Microsystems stepped forward with a solution they named Java. At about the same time, Netscape was experimenting with adding support for a scripting language, JavaScript, that would operate inside its browsers without an additional request for data from the server. Microsoft had just discovered the Internet, but would soon offer yet another alternative called Active X (later DHTML). It is to discussion of these innovations and their strengths and weaknesses that we now turn.

2. Is Java a true universal computer language?

Before discussing the emergence of Java, a short aside on the history of computer operating languages is required. While C and C++ became dominant programming languages, software creators faced growing problems trying to design programs which would run on multiple platforms. By the late 1980s, the computer world was split into a number of camps. These included IBM clone PCs running DOS (later Windows), PCs build by Apple and Amiga running their own proprietary operating systems, workstations running various flavors of UNIX, and mainframes running a wide variety of operating systems but accessible to clients only by dummy terminals. In the 1990s, computer users would witness the emergence of a number of upgrades of Microsoft's GUI platform Windows, IBM's failed attempt to offer OS2 as an alternative to Windows, and continual upgrades of the Mac OS. While most of these platforms supported backwards compatibility, software developers struggled to keep up with all these changes.

The emergence of the Internet and HTML in the mid-1990s, offered the first real opportunity to reunite the computer world. However, HTML was never intended to be a software or development platform, only a document sharing mechanism. What Sun Microsystems envisioned when it created Java was a programming language that could be supported by a stripped down operating system capable of being run on any platform from inside a Web browser. Sun struck a deal with Netscape to include Java support in version 3.0 of its browser and worked on their own browser, Hot Java. Installation of either browser set up the environment to run Java applets on your computer. The basic Java operating system files reside on your computer; when you hit upon a page which contains a Java applet, the computer uses both the downloading files and the residing Java files to execute the program.

The major advantage in using Java to write programs is its support for object-oriented programming.

Once an object has been designed it can be reused over and over again. This idea is now spelled out more fully in the use of JavaBeans to create complex reusable objects.

Critics emerged rapidly. According to Jesse Berst, there are a number of myths about Java.

There is much confusion about Java. CNET's 20 questions piece is very useful in attempting to clarify things. For Web designers who want to use Java to add interactive elements important questions include "What is an applet?" and "How Can I Make an Applet?"

To date Java has not had the major breakthrough it needs. Corel aborted its attempt to create a suite of Word Perfect software tools in Java. IBM and Lotus released eSuite, with the hope it would find a market in the emerging world of NCs. Software to create Web sites entirely in Java such as Net-It-Now are appearing.

3. What's the difference between Java and JavaScript?

Microsoft did not support JavaScript as quickly as Netscape. Microsoft, which had somehow missed the importance of the Net--perhaps because of its dominance in operating system software--moved first to develop a better browser, add interactivity to it, and finally to integrate their application software and operating system with the Web. Given that there were a large number of program designers already using Microsoft's flagship design product, Visual Basic, Microsoft would attempt to create a Web version of it and rename it Active X. Using Active X controls, programmers could create dynamic Web pages (but only viewable in Microsoft's Explorer browser). In 1998, Microsoft stopped calling their scripting language Active X and switched to DHTML. Rather than support open standards, Microsoft continued to create proprietary software. Such was also the case with Microsoft's use of Java, which it attempted to encase inside proprietary Microsoft code, ultimately resulting in a lawsuit with Sun Microsystems and a countersuit by Microsoft. Microsoft's attempt to integrate its Web browser with the Windows 95 desktop resulted in a US Justice Department probe of monopoly practices and a quick response from Microsoft. A two-year Justice Department civil trial resulted.

Yet another scripting alternative is Lingo script. However, Lingo script works only within Macromedia Director. To date Director has been one of the major multimedia creation formats, capable of running over the Web by using the Shockwave plug-in. While I would not have thought Shockwave had a long-term future on the Net a few months ago, the recent release of Macromedia's Flash (vector graphics format) and its incorporation into the latest version of Real Player have now positioned it strongly.

4. Do I really need to know how to program scripts and applets?

The same pattern holds true for both Java and JavaScript. Early Java applet designers took the time to learn the language; many were programmers. JavaScript is much more basic than Java and can be learned by those with little programming background. In 1996, WYSIWYG Java tools such as Visual J++, Symantec Visual Caf� for Windows 95/NT, Bongo, and Jamba emerged. In 1997, Netscape released Visual JavaScript.

Repositories of existing Java applets and JavaScript archives now are commonplace. Some are freeware, other marketed as shareware. Non-programmers can now easily add active components to their Web sites, but knowledge of the syntax of these languages helps in being able to change parameters and troubleshoot problems. For example, once I downloaded the slideshow applet, I still had to figure out how to import my own graphics, set the transition effects, etc (see source code example below). As with all computer programming projects, try to find the most experienced person you can to assist you.

The segmentation of HTML writers from CGI script writers continued until around 1996, when script repositories started to appear. If you wanted to run a program on a certain UNIX server and you could find a script for it you did not need a programmer. In 1997, programs such as Microsoft's Frontpage 98, integrated Web design with server scripting for those running Windows NT Server and Internet Information Server. Without writing any scripts I created an on-line survey which dumped the results of a submittal to four places simultaneously: email message sent, update a Web page, new entry in Access database, and comma-delimited text file suitable for later database use.

Below are a number of Web sites offering scripts. These can be very useful if you need specialized features for your site.

5. What kinds of applets and scripts should I add to my Web pages?

Obviously, such choices are up to the Web site designer and should be based upon identified needs to go beyond simple HTML pages. One way to approach this would be to use an organization or section as a focus group to help determine which materials need to be developed in an interactive format. For example, if a self-administered and automatically graded quiz would assist users in better identifying what information they're looking for, scripts can be written or borrowed to install it. Will a graphic, animation, or slideshow with audio be the best way to demonstrate an important aspect? If the latter, which of the many slideshow applets available is best suited for the information?

Web sites can be set up using cookies that remember visitors, know what pages they have seen before, and suggest new areas to visit. Cookies, combined with Web server statistics tools, can collect all types of information about how folks are using your Web site. Using this information, Web sites can be redesigned so users easily locate the materials they want and they see the pages you want them to see. Visitors should be told the site uses cookies, in case they want to decline to participate.

You can comparison shop for all types of Java applets at Sun's Gamelan site and other on-line Java repositories. As of 11/99, Gamelan contained over 1400 educational applets, nearly 1900 games, over 900 multimedia applications, plus thousands of others.

Since there are distance learning and training efforts going on worldwide, there are bound to be a number of similar applets and modules being developed. But, how do you find them? The Educom IMS Project is intended to help faculty and teachers locate existing educational applets anywhere on the Internet using metadata tags. In fact, it may soon be possible to construct an entire course by picking from a number of educational learning modules. Similar to paying by the number of plates piled up on the table at the end of a Chinese dim sum meal, students would pay a technology or site license fee based on the total number of modules adopted within the course. Each module would have a small cost and materials authors would receive modest royalties if there materials were adopted by others. Publishers, software companies, and on-line information providers will also have on-line resources available for adoption. These may include access to databases, on-line educational simulations, testing environments, etc. Having just returned from an academic conference in which I was approached by a number of faculty who have been asked to get their courses onto the Web while offered minimal support, a shared environment for cooperative distance learning and training is a much needed aid.

The example below demonstrates what can be done using advanced Web design techniques. Pennsylvania used XML to create a way for users to access a number criminal justice agency databases simultaneously from the same Web browser window. The system, known as JNET, allows authorized users to access law enforcement, court, and correctional agency databases to track individual offenders; and has sealed a number of cracks that offenders used to slip through.

What is JNET?

The goal of the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) is to enhance public safety by providing a common on-line environment whereby authorized state, county, and local officials can access offender records and other criminal justice information from participating agencies. The JNET System is also expected to promote cost-effectiveness and reduce redundancy and errors by making it possible, where appropriate, to enter new offender information only once as subjects proceed through the criminal justice process.

Using open Internet/World Wide Web technologies and standards, the JNET System links information from diverse hardware/software platforms under a common, web-browser interface. Each participating agency controls what information it shares and who is authorized to see it. Network firewalls, secure communication protocols, data encryption, and authentication based on digital signatures and certificates protect information on the JNET System from unauthorized access.

Pennsylvania Justice Network Infrastructure

In addition, the JNET System serves as a platform for broad-based knowledge-sharing among Justice Network users. Encrypted, authenticated electronic mail provides a secure channel for inter-agency messaging. JNET servers support searchable on-line reference libraries and threaded discussion groups, as well as non-public web sites specifically for criminal justice business.

Who is participating?

Overall policy and strategic vision for the JNET Project is established by the JNET Executive Council, which comprises chief executives from the 15 JNET Governing Agencies

JNET Governing Agencies

		Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC)

		Board of Pardons (BOP)

		Department of Corrections (DOC)

		Department of Public Welfare (DPW)

		Juvenile Court Judges' Commission (JCJC)

		Office of Attorney General (OAG)

		Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP)

		Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)

		Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

		Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)

The JNET Steering Committee, also made up of representatives from the 15 Governing Agencies, is responsible for tactical planning for the deployment of JNET Project functionality and associated information-sharing requirements (JNET Governance Structure Details).

Ten of the governing agencies�AOPC, BOP, DOC, DPW, JCJC, OAG, PBPP, PCCD, PennDOT, and PSP�are the initial providers and users of content for the JNET System. Other state, county, and local organizations are being encouraged to join as the capacity of the JNET System grows. Because the criminal justice process begins and ends in our communities, county and local authorities ultimately must become the foundation, as well as beneficiaries, of the Pennsylvania Justice Network.

JNET offers an array of connectivity and information-sharing options for easy entry at various levels of participation:

The JNET System supports network connections via the Commonwealth Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), county and municipal networks, and telecommunication lines.
Agencies that wish to contribute information to the JNET System are able to selectively "publish" data by exporting it to a standardized repository on a JNET Agency Server. This option has no impact on existing legacy systems.
Some agencies do not require an intermediate JNET data repository. Depending on the configuration of its legacy systems, an agency may be able to share information through a JNET query gateway.
Agencies re-engineering their information systems, or building new ones, may choose to develop a solution around JNET architectural specifications. This approach will yield an agency system that is capable of full integration with JNET, but remains completely under the agency's control.
For information that is extremely sensitive or rarely needed by other organizations, an agency can share that data electronically using encrypted, authenticated e-mail over JNET.

How is the system being implemented?

The JNET project is currently in the Phase II of a multi-phase development plan that spans several years:

JNET Lab

The JNET Laboratory, located at Pennsylvania State Police Department Headquarters in Harrisburg, prototyped initial JNET content and applications in preparation for Phase I, and now serves as a center for on-going development.

Phase I

The first phase of the JNET project focused on the infrastructure and application framework needed to interconnect the ten Commonwealth agencies that supplied the initial JNET information content. In this phase, more than 100 trial users were given access to proof-of-concept data-sharing applications, HTML (�web�) sites, and inter-agency communications.

JNET Phase 1 Data Sharing

Phase II

The second phase is extending JNET to provide more information and new functionality, including case-file transfer, digital mug shots, PennDOT photo images and driver license information, live posting of court dispositions to the PSP Criminal History Repository, and enhancements to existing Phase I applications. More organizations and users are being connected as directed by the JNET Steering Committee.

Phase III and beyond

Subsequent to Phase II, continuing development will explore adding new capabilities and connecting additional users from qualified state, county, and local organizations.

Additional Resources:

McDonough, Brian. 1999. Sealing the Cracks. Government Technology. December, pp. 122-123.
Caterinicchia, Dan. 2000. Maryland Cuts Red Tape from Justice Spending. Civic.com. January. pp. 16-18.

Advanced Web Page Design

Overview

1. Isn't HTML enough? Why do I need interactive Web components?

2. Is Java a true universal computer language?

3. What's the difference between Java and JavaScript?

4. Do I really need to know how to program scripts and applets?