If you are going to use existing Java applets (changing behavior through setting parameters in HTML), all you will need is a text editor (see JavaScript Next Steps for recommended editors). On the other hand if you are going to customize the applets themselves, or create your own applets, you will need a Java compiler. Using a compiler involves creating code (or calling up existing code) using a text editor, then compiling it, linking it to an HTML file and uploading it to a Web server for access. The Sun JDK compiler is free but very basic; the more full-featured commercial compilers offer comsiderably more help in creating applets.

• JDK Java Developer's Kit from Sun (free)
• Visual Cafe Leading Java editor and compiler, Windows and MacOS versions (commercial)

Once you have access to a compiler, you can get ahold of some publically avilable Java source code (see Links) and go from there. You might also want to check out one or more of the tutorials listed below.

• Java 101 basics from ZDNet
• Introduction to Java tutorial from IBM (Windows only)
• Java Tutorial from Sun (all platforms)
• Java World on-line periodical

• Jamba commercial Java templates
• Emblaze Creator tool for delivering streaming media and presentations through Java