Jim Higson wrote:
I think
plug-ins are bad; they limit software choices, which should be
left to the client.
In general I agree, but I think if sensibly aproached they can enhance the
wiki. For example those without a JRE installed could be sent a prerendered
png, and those with could be sent the applet.
IMO plugins aimed at a specific purpose are bad - ie the user having to
install software *just* to view molecules, but well supported, general
purpose plugins like java and flash are accpetable provided those who don't
have them aren't given 'broken' pages.
I for one don't like plugins, but agree that they *can* be of
*additional* use. So, why not display the molecule as a PNG, then open a
new browser window with a 3D/whatever applet when the user clicks on it?
alt="Click here to see it in 3D (EvilJava required)." would give a hint.
Magnus