Java applets vs Java application

[mooster2]

What are the main differences between Java applets and Java application?

I know that Java applets are more restrictived and have limitations comapred to applications, but aside from
NOT being able to read and write files, what are other significant limitations?

Can Java applications be run on the web too?

 

[sedj]

The main difference is that Applets can be embedded in html, and so you can have a small Java application running in a browser.

This is not possible using *normal* (ie not applet) Java applications.

 

[Diancecht]

Furthermore, Java signed applets *can* read and write files.

Cheers.

Dian