Methods and systems for inter-applet communication. The methods and systems of the invention are particularly useful for communication between applets in different frames of an HTML page. Java and HTML specifications generally preclude interaction between applets in different HTML pages or frames. The present invention permits such communication by defining a superclass (102) from which all such communicating applets are specialized. The superclass (102) includes static structures (104) and associated methods (106..110) for enabling communication between the applets specialized therefrom. A static notification list (104) has entries each of which identify a particular applet which requires notification of events from other applets. A first method (106) of the superclass (102), invoked by a second applet desiring notification of an event, adds (or removes) entries in the notification list. A second method (108), invoked by a first applet (114) recognizing occurrence of the event, searches the list and notifies all applets having entries registering their interest in events. A third method (110), an event notification handler overridden by the second applet(s) desiring such notification (126), is recorded in the notification list entry and invoked by the second method (108) to provide the requisite notification to the second applet (122). Through notification of occurrence of an event and receipt of such notification, applets specialized from this superclass may effectuate inter-applet communication. Optional parameters passed through the notification registration method, stored in the notification list, and passed to the event notification handler, allows more detailed communication messages.
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