Why Java?

Is it me, or are most Java applets on the web useless? I’ve seen so many out there that could be done with anything from straight HTML to JavaScript to AJAX to Flash. It seems to me that Java’s implementation for browsers has never really been quite “there”, but people continue to churn out this mediocre crap that just makes their product look and feel bad. And, did I mention that most Java applets are just plain ugly? When they’re not sort-of using OS-standard UI elements, they try to be hip, or fancy, or ultra-cool. Dude.. bevel & emboss is SO 1998.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Java has its place as an application development language– great for cross-platform RAD, or mission-critical server-side systems, but applets? Come on! I’ve found that under my current configuration (Firefox 1.5.x on OS X 10.4.5) some Java applets actually crap out the scrollability of my trackpad until I quit the browser entirely!

A great deterrent (or inspiration, if you’re into that sort of thing) is WebCT Campus Ed. 6. WOW! WebCT actually delayed their EOL for Campus Ed. 4 due to bugginess in the product. Now, I’m not saying all of its problems are Java issues. Far from it, actually– horrible CSS, buggy installers, code that breaks in current browsers (but works in old ones :-D ).

I guess FrontPage was the first real sign of the Apocalypse. Remember FrontPage’s rollovers? Oh yeah… Java applets. One for each button on your site. Add that to a time when the term Information Architecture caused EVEREYONE to give a blank stare, and you’ve got Hell right here in River City.

But, I keep coming across this stuff that just makes me cringe. I have no idea WHY the developers would use Java applets for most of this content when it could all be done a little better with something else.

Written on March 29, 2006 Filed under Web

UVM Center for Teaching & Learning

The CTL is in a time of great change, becoming part of the newly-formed Learning Resources Group, and launching a national search for a new director. We wanted to seize upon this opportunity to re-build the CTL Website from the ground up, including massive re-writes of the copy, a streamlined navigation system, and more dynamic content to keep fresh, up-to-date content in front of our users.

Based on the UVM Web Template, we were able to add numerous helpful features to the site, including a streamlined events calendar and management system, RSS and iCal feeds, support request interfaces, and plenty of daily/weekly maintenance solutions.

http://www.uvm.edu/ctl

Written on March 17, 2006 Filed under Portfolio