SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE MANAGEABILITY AND USABILITY OF A JAVA ENVIRONMENT

A method, system, and computer-readable code for improving the manageability and usability of a Java environment. The advantages of applets and applications are combined, while avoiding particular disadvantages of both, resulting in a technique whereby all Java programs are executed without relying on use of a browser to provide a run-time environment. Techniques for improving the packaging of Java components, including run-time environments and extensions as well as applications, are defined. Dependencies are specified in a manner which enables them to be dynamically located and installed, and enables sharing dependent modules (including run-time environments) among applications. The dependency specification technique ensures that all dependent code will be automatically available at run-time, without requiring a user to perform manual installation. The run-time environment required for an application is specified, and a technique is provided for dynamically changing the run-time that will be used (including the ability to change run-times on a per-program basis), without requiring user intervention.