Java technology can be used to create both client- and server-side applications. While the server-side implementation is widely accepted, the browser-based client-side applications have been less successful because the file sizes are large and the installation is cumbersome. Flex is a great solution for Java developers because it enables them to utilize the power of Java servers while creating expressive and interactive interfaces with a technology that has almost 100% deployment in browsers.
Java is a virtual machine that can be used to create platform-independent software. Software created in Java can run on any hardware that supports the Java Virtual Machine.
In web development, Java can be used as either a client-side or server-side programming language.
When Java is used on the client side, we're generally talking about Applets, which can run on a browser with Java support.
When Java is used on the server side, we're probably thinking JSP or [???] to create framework-based web applications or to create web services.
How does it compare to Flex?
Java Applets, with their ability to run inside a browser window, are similar to Flex applications. Flex apps, however, are much easier to deploy through the lightweight easy-to-install Flash Player.
Server-side Java can be used to create web services for consumption by a Flex application
The Java language is commonly used with the enterprise edition of the Java platform on the server-side to create the application logic, or "business tier" for multi-tiered applications. The business tier can use various Java technologies to connect to the data tier. And, while you can use Java technologies to write the client-tier, Flex allows you to create more dynamic, interactive, and compelling clients that are viewable on more computers thanks to Flash Player.
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The Java language is commonly used with the enterprise edition of the Java platform on the server-side to create the application logic, or "business tier" for multi-tiered applications. The business tier can use various Java technologies to connect to the data tier. And, while you can use Java technologies to write the client-tier, Flex allows you to create more dynamic, interactive, and compelling clients that are viewable on more computers thanks to Flash Player.