'''Java Web Start''' is framework developed by [[Sun MicrosystemMicrosystems]] that enables starting [[Java programming language|Java]] applications directly from the [[World Wide Web|web]] using a [[web browser|browser]]. Unlike [[Java applet]]s, Webstart applications do not run inside the browser, and the [[Sandbox (security)|sandbox]] in which they run does not have to be as restricted, although this can be configured. One chief advantage of web start over applets is overcoming many compatibility problems with browsers' Java [[plug-in]]s and different [[Java virtual machine|JVM]] versions. On the other hand, Web Start programs cannot communicate with the browser as easily as applets.
Version 1.0 of Web Start was introduced by Sun in March [[2001]], and since [[Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition|J2SE]] version 1.4 it has been included by default with the JRE and does not have to be installed separately.
