1. Introduction
1.1 diputree is an applet
Applets are small components that can reside within a
web document. It is just like any other component in your web document (such as forms,
tables, graphics, etc.).
The difference is that applets can have behavior,
respond to user and/or system events and execute code. You can think of them as little
applications embedded within your web document.
The advantages of applets over static
pages/components are ample:
- your users are more acquainted with interactive
interfaces
- you have more power over the overall interface you
implement on your web site
- it can give your web site a firm structure, without
imposing too much constraints on your web design
1.2 diputree is configurable
With version 2 of the diputree applet, you have total
control over the applets representation and functionality.
Functionality in version 2
- diputree is scriptable (in real time )
- a site wide consistent look an feel
- keyboard support
- user definable icons (downloadable icons)
- configurable space between container and non-container
icons
- configurable colors for text, background and lines
- background images are now supported
- more control over the size of the scrollbars
- lines and icons can be switched off
- the root of the tree can be hidden
- pop up tips are supported (state dependent!)
- status bar information messages
- automatic expansion and/or contraction of containers
(state dependent!)
- frame destination can be set for every individual link
- multiple frame destinations (unlimited)
- opened and closed icons (state
dependent)
- fonts can be set for every individual entry
- text can be aligned for every individual entry
- standard icons are compiled in and do not require any
additional downloads
- configurable margins
- all possible URL combinations are supported, even
partial and relative URLs
- default values for all options exist
- it uses java 1.0.2 so it will run on every browser
supporting java
1.3 diputree has an extremely small footprint
Even with all this functionality it is only 9KB in jar
format and 19Kb in class format,
NO ADDITIONAL DOWNLOADS ARE REQUIRED!
With a 33.6Kb modem and netscape 4 or ie4 it only
takes 2.5 seconds to download the applet!