What is an "applet" in Java?

An "applet" in Java is specifically designed to run within a web browser. This allows it to be embedded in web pages and enables interaction with the web content directly from the user’s browser. Applets are typically small programs written in Java, and they are executed in a secure sandbox environment that restricts their access to the host system for security reasons. This makes applets suitable for adding dynamic features to web pages, such as animations or interactive tools, while maintaining a level of security.

The nature of applets requires a web browser that supports the Java plugin, although their use has declined with the advancement of web technologies such as HTML5, and many modern browsers no longer support them. Understanding this context clarifies the significance of applets in the realm of web development during their peak use, highlighting their function distinctly as opposed to standalone applications or server-side applications.