Before you can create complex Java animations you must first learn the basics of Java 2D drawing and applets. In this article I will teach you the basics of Java applets and 2D drawing. In this article you will learn.

• How to construct a basic applet
• Displaying text in an applet
• Using colors in an applet
• Measuring font sizes in an applet
• Creating an applet that is also an application

I will begin by showing you how to construct a basic Java applet.