浏览器Plugin总结(ActiveX vs. Gecko SDK)

 

Java Applet

 

Java Applet runs inside a Java plugin in the explorer. In IE, the plugin is a kind of ActiveX. Please see the diagram.

 

 

Hoever, in firefox, it is a plugin implemented by Gecko SDK(npapi), please see,

 

  

Strong Points

 

Across the platform, the applet can be explained in IE and Firefox, Windows and Linux/Unix.

 

Shortcoming

 

Not each user has the JRE installed.

 

 

Flash

 

Flash is like applet, it is also an ActiveX plugin in IE and Gecko SDK in Firefox. But it should be more related to Multi-Media(HTTP GET and POST is also used inside flash) while Applet has more API available to do anyting. Please see the diagrams in IE and firefox.

 

 

  

Strong Points

 

Across the platform, the flash can be played in IE and Firefox, Windows and Linux/Unix. There is no enough API do some rich operasions compared to Appllet(java)?

 

Shortcoming

 

Not each user has the Flash Player Plugin installed.

 

 

ActiveX/Gecko SDK Plugin

 

They are the real explorer plugins. Actually, the JRE plugin and Flash Player Plugin are also kind of ActiveX or Gecko SDK Plugin themself. They explain the Applet or the Flash.

 

IE/Firefox ------>> ActiveX/Gecko SDK Plugin

IE/Firefox ------>> JRE plugin ------>> Appllet

IE/Firefox ------>> Flash Player Plugin ------>> Flash

 

 

Strong Points

 

More flesible since they are the real plugin programmed by C++ both in IE and Firefox usually.  

 

Shortcoming

 

You need to implement different for IE and Firefox. For IE, you need use Windows/COM API. For Firefox, you need use the Gecko SDK/npapi.