Applets

WeBWorK Applet interface

This page describes a common interface between WeBWorK questions and Java, Flash and Geogebra applets.

Preliminary documentation at:

and

The interface is still being developed and so expect minor changes to continue along

with significant new features.

Request additional features from the FlashObject working group:

Applets should respond when called by these functions

getXML() - the WW question is asking for an XML description of the applet's state. The description is text -- it is not base64 encoded. The XML description of the applet state should be suitable for use in setXML
setXML(state) - the applet is sending an XML description to reset the applet's state. The description is text -- it is not base64 encoded.
setConfig(configuration) - the applet is sending an initial configuration for the applet (should we use initialConfiguation or reset?) The description is text -- it is not base64 encoded.
getAnswer() -- the applet responds with a string simulating an answer entered by the student. This is typically called when the submit button is pressed.
isActive() - a 1 or "true" response by the applet indicates that the applet is loaded, initialized and ready to go.
debug() - set when the applet is called from WW. If debug=1 the WW question is in debug mode and if the applet has the ability to issue extra error messages these should be turned on. If debug=0 then these error messages should be turned off.

Demos of applets can be found at