Java Terms

AWT Abstract Windowing Toolkit

graphical user interface (GUI) components implemented using native-platform code, providing functionality common to all platforms. Supplanted by Swing

Bean

a Java component which exports properties and events as well as variables and methods. A Bean provides enough description about itself to allow its manipulation with a visual application builder.

JAR Java Archive

a single file containing many Java files(.class files, images, sounds and other resource files) which can be downloaded to a browser in a single HTTP transaction. It also supports file compression and digital signatures.

JDK Java Development Kit

everything to build and run Java code: compiler, debugger, interpreter, and more.

JDBC Java Database Connectivity

a standard for SQL-type access to databases.

JFC Java Foundation Classes

extend the original AWT with graphical user interface class libraries. Also provides a pluggable look-and-feel, an accessibility API, a 2D API, and drag and drop suppport.

JVM Java Virtual Machine

the code which interprets the Java byte code generated by the Java compiler.

JRE Java Run-time Environment

enough to run Java - the Java virtual machine, the Java core classes, and supporting files.

Activator

a mini-run-time system which can be loaded for an applet to use instead of the browser's Java support - handy for supporting new versions.

Plug-in

a mini-run-time system which can be loaded for an applet to use instead of the browser's Java support - handy for supporting new versions. Also called the Java Activator

Swing (not an acronym!)

user interface components written in Java, to allow customizable look-and-feel independent of the platform.
Sun produces an online newsletter, The Swing Connection.