Netscape 6


This section describes the primary features of the Java runtime in Netscape 6, which is enabled by Java Plug-in. It includes the following topics:

APPLET Tag Support

Applets are loaded by Java Plug-in if the conventional APPLET tag is used.

Note:

Currently the OBJECT and EMBED tags do not work with Netscape 6 with Java Plug-in. You must use the APPLET tag with Netscape 6.

Java-JavaScript Bi-directional Communication

JavaScript can access the methods of applets, and applets can access the Document Object Model (DOM) through JavaScript.

See Java-to-JavaScript Communication and JavaScript-to-Java Communication. Be sure to read the sections on security.

RSA Signed Applet Verification

RSA signed applet verification is supported.

Display of Java Console

You may display the Java Console through the Netscape 6 browser menu: Tasks>Tools>Java Console.

Enable/Disable Java

You may enable/disable Java through the Netscape 6 browser menu: Edit>Preferences>Advanced. Note that to take effect, the browser must be restarted.

Applet Lifecycle Change

Whenever a page is visited, the init() and start() methods of the applet are called; and whenever the page is left, the stop() and destroy() methods may be called.

Proxy and Cookie Support

Java Plug-in previously handled proxy and cookie support alone. In Netscape 6 this support is moved to the browser.

HTTPS

HTTPS is supported through Java Secure Socket Extension (JSSE) in J2SE.

Automatic Download

Via its XPInstall mechanism, Netscape 6 will support automatic download of Java Plug-in (JRE) if it is not present.

Backward Compatibility Issue

Although Sun has tried to ensure backward compatibility as much as possible between Java 2 and the Netscape VM, it may not be 100%. Some applets may run as is; other may only need recompilation; others, however, may need to be ported to Java 2.