How Will Java Be Supported in Chrome After Chrome Drops the NPAPI Support?


Java is a widely utilized & advanced programming language. It has been depended upon for additional web applications. However, because of safety considerations, Chrome has sloped support for the Netscape Plugin API (NPAPI), which has been used to sustain Java applets on web pages. This move by Chrome has raised worries among developers & users about the end of Java in Chrome. 

In this article, we will examine how Java will be supported in Chrome after the drop of NPAPI support.

How Does NPAPI Help Java to Work on Chrome?

NPAPI (Netscape Plugin API) is an application programming interface. It permits web browsers, such as Google Chrome, to execute plugins, including Java. Here are a few ways in which NPAPI helps Java work on Chrome −

  • Facilitates the creation of Java plugins − NPAPI delivers a standard way for developers to create plugins that can run in web browsers. Java developers can use NPAPI to create Java plugins that can be used in Chrome.

  • Provides a bridge between Java and Chrome − NPAPI serves as a bridge between Java & Chrome. It allows Java to communicate with Chrome & vice versa, letting Java work seamlessly in the Chrome browser.

  • Supports Java applets − Java applets are miniature Java applications that can run within a web browser. NPAPI delivers the critical infrastructure for Java applets to be executed in Chrome.

  • Assures compatibility − NPAPI guarantees that Java plugins are compatible with Chrome. By delivering a standard interface, NPAPI allows Java plugins to work seamlessly in Chrome, however of the version or operating system.

Overall, NPAPI plays a vital role in allowing Java to work in Chrome, allowing users to access Java-based web applications & services in the browser.

Java Web Start

Java Web Start is an alternative explanation to NPAPI for helping Java applications on web pages. It allows users to launch applications from a web page. At lunch, the application without requires the use of a browser plug-in. Instead, it downloads & runs the application locally on the user's device. With this solution, Chrome users can restart to use Java applications on the web without depending on NPAPI.

Deployment Toolkit

Another key for keeping Java in Chrome is that you can use the Deployment Toolkit. This toolkit is a JavaScript-based solution that allows the detection & deployment of Java applications. It discovers the existence of Java on the user's machine. It allows the option to download & install the needed Java version. This solution helps you to do the work without the need for NPAPI. It allows users to run Java applications without browser plug-ins.

Chrome Native Messaging

Chrome Native Messaging is a new solution that can be used to support Java in Chrome. It allows Chrome to communicate with native applications installed on the user's machine. This solution can be used to launch Java applications & communicate with them from within the Chrome browser. With Chrome Native Messaging, Java can be supported without NPAPI use or any other browser plug-ins.

Enterprise Solutions

For business & organization users who rely on Java applications, there are several solutions present for them. They can use any of those solutions. One such widespread or popular answer is the use of virtualization technologies. There are many virtualization technologies known such as VMware ThinApp or Citrix XenApp. These methods enable Java applications to be virtualized & deployed on users' machines. It allows Java apps to work without needing NPAPI or another browser plug-ins.

Java on Other Browsers

Only Chrome has dropped the support for NPAPI, but all other browsers are open to it. Browsers such as Firefox & Safari still keep it. It indicates you can use Java on these browsers. You can easily use them without the need for any other solution. However, it is worth noting that NPAPI support is also being phased out on these browsers. Developers should evaluate alternative keys for sustaining Java in the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fall of NPAPI support by Chrome does not mean the end of Java in Chrome. There are a few other alternative solutions available. You can use them to support Java applications on the web. From the above, we know that Java Web Start, Deployment Toolkit, Chrome Native Messaging & virtualization technologies are some of the solutions. You can use them any time to support Java in Chrome. While alternative solutions may be required, Java can still be used on other browsers that support NPAPI. As technology persists to evolve, developers should remain vigilant & consider alternative solutions for helping Java in the long term.

Updated on: 05-Apr-2023

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