Code on demand: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:20, 27 January 2006

Revision as of 17:53, 6 June 2006

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In [[computing]], '''code on demand''' is a general term for any technology that sends executable software programs from a server computer to a client computer upon an explicit request from the client's software (e.g., browser).

Code on demand is a specific form of [[mobile code]]. A well-known example for the code on demand paradigm are [[Java applet]]s: An applet's program code lies inactive on some [[web server]] until a user (client) requests a web page that contains a link to the applet using his [[web browser]]. Upon this request, the web page and the applet are transported to the user's machine using [[HTTP]]. When the page is displayed, the applet is started in the browser and executes locally, inside the user's computer until it is explicitly stopped (e.g. by leaving the applet's web page). This completes the applet's life cycle.