Why java applets/javafx aren't widely used? (why I shouldn't use them for RIA) [closed]

Question

Java is one of the best managed runtime technologies we have. It has very high performance VM which allows to achieve performance close to C. The amount of high quality open source libraries is incomparable to any other platform. However, despite it was the first dynamic client side technology to appear in browsers (Applets), it isn't used widely now. What are disadvantages of Java which make people use JavaScript + HTML5 or Flash/Flex instead of Java for RIA? Why should I use them despite they are not as pleasant for a programmer as Java?

Answer 1

"it isn't used widely now"

I disagree with this perception... some examples:

Mindterm is a Java based ssh freeware client supporting ssh2 can be run embedded as applet google for it

Mizu web phone is a Java and open standards based SIP VOIP client which can be embedded as an Applet -google for it-

OpenSignX is an opensource Java based document and form signing Java applet for PKI X.509 certificates. google for it

Coolsmile is a Java based IRC client that can be run as app or embedded Applet -google for it-

JFTerm is a Java telnet client. Can be run as desktop app or applet. Supports telnet (23), ssl and ssh -google for it-

J3Dworkbench is a Java 3D game-design authoring tool. delivery via Webstart or as Applets -google for it-

There´s also thevirtualheart dot org a Java based heart simulator also an applet

or Geocaching browser (JavaFX) at canoo dot com

You cannot do everything in HTML5... for instance take a look at complex apps like JITSI (videocomerencing, voip app) or MuCommander -google it- or Sweet Home 3D, or Art of Illusion... all java-based. Java serves a purpose... and Microsoft and its friends have been trying to discredit it, replace it with something else, and it continues being relevant. ask yourself why. it´s because it serves a purpose and its level playing field software ecosystem is HUGE.

Do a seach of code dot google.com for Java-related projects... and see.

Plus, to the commenter above who says JavaFX has limited appeal let me remind you that Java is NOT ONLY a programming language but actually 3 things: a programming language, a runtime environment, and a level playing field software ecosystem. You can use Java libs without writing a single code of Java language ... using Jython (Python for Java), JRuby (Ruby on Java), NetRexx (open source Rexx on Java, see www.netrexx.org), xRuby (ruby to Java bytecode compiler) or Jabaco (Basic to java bytecode compiler)... just to name a few of the many JVM languages... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_JVM_languages