about the mods

The Deitel Mods is a series of variations on an applet based on examples found in the book Java How to Program (Prentice Hall, 1998) by H.M. and P.J. Deitel. The book is an oft-used textbook for computer programming students wishing to learn web programming using the Open Source, cross-platform language Java.

Most of the mods are generative/reactive media engines. Graphics are drawn live, sometimes as a result of your input(moving the mouse, clicking the mouse, etc.). The poem is assembled live as well, and is sometimes influenced by your actions. The poem accumulates with each applet, each applet adding a line to the previous one. Each line of the poem is randomly chosen from an accumulation of lines; each applet adds another accumulation to accomodate the new line.

This series is still evolving, and will eventually consist of 32 applets. I am writing it as a gift to my love, Mary Andrea Kay. Her two sons, Caleb and Jeran, also provide much of the inspiration.

Lewis LaCook