Web Interfaces - Why They Will Prosper | 4

home / programming / javascript / j_s / column5 / 1

[previous]

Web Code Fixes Required by Internet Explorer in Early 2004

Note that the JavaScript emits the same code that was originally on your web page. This same sequence must be repeated for all <applet>, <embed> and <object> tags. Use of the <script> statement has been carefully constructed for maximum portability; thus the two step referencing. And again, the JavaScript code must be external to the web page.

One of the disadvantages of this solution is that it uses JavaScript. It is estimated by ECMA, the standards bearer for JavaScript, that about 3% of users worldwide disable JavaScript. Macromedia and Microsoft are working on another solution to the problem but have not yet published it.

For developers using many <applet>, <embed>., and or <object> tags, Apple and Real (see references below) have good examples of JavaScript code that allow many tags to be generated from one file.

Summary

Given the popularity of plug-ins and the nuisance of the new alerts, it appears that Web developers will have another round of unscheduled fixes due to “intellectual property and competition” wars. This is reminiscent Y2K conversion work – somewhat tedious and not automated so far. Keep watching the websites listed below for a simpler fix; but be prepared to some cleanup work.

Resources

• Microsoft - http://msdn.microsoft.com/ieupdate/activexchanges.asp#fix - Information for Developers about Changes to Internet Explorer.
• Macromedia - http://www.macromedia.com/support/activecontent/ - one of the best sites covering the reasons for the changes; but Macromedia has a lot at stake.
• Apple - http://developer.apple.com/internet/ieembedprep.html – here is a concise explanation of the changes to make the experience seamless again using JavaScript.
• Real Networks - http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/embedded/iechanges/index.html -also has a detailed set of JavaScript solutions plus other advice.

Jacques Surveyer is a consultant and photographer, see his pictures at www.picsoftoronto.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

home / programming / javascript / j_s / column5 / 1

[previous]

Created: June 2, 2003
Revised: December 18, 2003

URL: http://webreference.com/programming/javascript/j_s/column5/1