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Refreshing JSP codes to check for data updates without refreshing the entire browser(eg. does not affect a user reading a article while constantly refreshing in the backgrd)

Hi.. I have a urgent question. Basically I have this site written in JSP that allows one computer to send a "instant message" to another computer(both at a specific webpage of my site). The message sent is first stored in a vector/file/db and then retrieved when computer B(reciever) refreshes the page and the codes check that boolean newMsg=true; and displays the message in a Alert box.

My problem is, the reciever has to manually click refresh to check for any new messages. What I need is for the "refresh" to somehow.. run (in the background?) without disturbing the reciever(perhaps reading a article). And when a new message is detected, the Alert box will pop up.

Hope I make this clear enough. Please help! Thanks!

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

linc0ln

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jimmack

linc0ln is correct, you can't "push" from a server to a browser. The browser is in control of the communications and the server simply responds.

<META HTTP-EQUIV=Refresh CONTENT="10; URL=http://url.to.servlet">

The meta-refresh should be nice and easy to implement (not all browsers support it, but I don't know which ones). You could do it with an applet, but that's considerably more work ;-)

Zontar

I dont'think there are any graphical browsers that produced in the last 6-7 years that don't support meta refresh tags. That shouldn't be an issue.

jimmack

;-) Thanx Zontar.

lewin85_sg

ASKER

Thanks guys :)