The network is the soul of Java. Most of what is new and exciting about Java centers around the potential for new kinds of dynamic networked applications. Java Network Programming describes the java.net package, which contains classes for communications and working with networked resources. It is a complete introduction to developing network programs (both applets and applications) using Java, covering everything from networking fundamentals to remote method invocation (RMI).

Whether you're an experienced network programmer, or just want to see what's possible, you'll find Java Network Programming is a thorough guide to Java's networking potential. It covers Java 1.1, contains many complete programs (available online), and covers all aspects of basic network programming. You'll find chapters on TCP and UDP sockets, multicasting protocol and content handlers, and servlets, part of the new Server API. It also covers what you can do without explicitly writing newtork code: how you can accomplish your goals using URLs and the basic capabilities of applets.