Pivot: Bringing Back the Java Applet

Posted by Sravan | June 18, 2008 .

Pivot is an open source java framework aimed at bringing the now relegated Java Applet into the competition among rich application design tools.

It borrows ideas from the large, old, unevolved Swing toolkit, but has advantages over it like declarative UI, common data model, web services integration, and cleaner implementation of MVC architecture. The applications, which can be can be run either as applets or as standalone (optionally offline) desktop applications, are written using Java and XML. The framework will look familiar for web developers with experience building AJAX applications, and Swing developers.

Java 6 Update 10 plays a pivotal role in Pivot’s potential to succeed. Dubbed as the “Consumer JRE”, the new JRE update boasts several welcome features: a java kernel that greatly reduces the base JRE size; a new implementation of Java Plug-in to prevent browser lock-ups, crashes, and slowdowns; a Quick Starter, a key performance improvement; a cooler Nimbus Look and Feel; integration with Direct3D (for Windows users). These features are expected to significantly overcome the dislike for Java Applets.

Whether or not it will replace other RIA technologies, it is a welcome sign, especially for the large base of Java developers.

Visit the Pivot project home page, view the demo application, and check out their tutorial. They are looking for java developers to join them in their endeavor.