title: Which option is suitable to replace Java Applet?
body: <p>I would like to replace Java Applet which currently needs to use client's resources, i.e. external readers, and to communicate with a server via socket.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Reason:</strong>
  1. I have thousands of client machines using this Java Applet program, and most of them are running out-dated JRE. When the Java Applet program is updated / added new features, all client machines will need updating the latest JRE.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Expected Solution:</strong></p>
  
  <p>The Java Applet program would be expected to be replaced by a web-based application, which allows to compile and run source code at client's side such that the new web-based application could still use client's resources and communicate with server via socket.</p>
  
  <p>Can I use <em>JavaScript</em> to achieve it?</p>
  
  <p>I would very appreciate your help/suggestion for this problem. Thank you!</p>