Can a Java App detect the web site I am visiting?

**mfountain** · 03-14-2012, 03:25 PM

Hi. I'm working with a Java developer who is new and I'm just trying to help him find some details.

We have a Java App that needs to be able to detect the application(s) that are running and the web site(s) that are actively being visited.

What libs or what methods would you recommend that we use to accomplish our goals?

Thanks in advance!

**DarrylBurke** · 03-14-2012, 04:00 PM

You can't write spyware in Java.

db

**mfountain** · 03-14-2012, 04:03 PM

Thanks for the feedback, but this is not for "spyware". We actually have a practical use for this internally.

We were thinking we could use JNA, but I don't know enough about it, which is why I am asking here for your guidance.

**DarrylBurke** · 03-14-2012, 04:07 PM

Call it by another name if you please but you can't write spyware in Java.

db

**mfountain** · 03-14-2012, 04:14 PM

It's for a training app to help people go from tutorial to tutorial (from a specified list). Each tutorial links to the next in the sequence, but we want the Java app to record the time it takes to do each tutorial (and which tutorial they are on) in an non-obtrusive way allowing them to use any browser they want to take the tests/training.

We thought we could use Java to do this, but sounds to me like you think it's not possible? Or are you just jaded against something that looks and smells like spyware?

**Norm** · 03-14-2012, 04:20 PM

Can you modify the app to record what it does itself?
Or how about a proxy server that all traffic goes through. It could record the traffic it sees.

**DarrylBurke** · 03-14-2012, 04:23 PM

Do you understand the meaning of can't? I didn't say I wouldn't help you, I told you it can't be done.

The correct approach would be for the tutorial, wherever it comes from, to incorporate its own time recording. If that can't be done the best you can do in Java is to write an application where the user clicks a button each time they move on to the next in the sequence.

You can't write spyware in Java.

db

**mfountain** · 03-14-2012, 04:28 PM

db - I read into your replies a little bit of cynicism. Which is why I was trying to clarify our intentions.

Norm - The tutorials are all 3-rd party, some free, some paid, we are aggregating them and simply wanted a simple way to help our team monitor their progress.

We thought Java would be fine for this (so we can support Macs too), but sounds like it's not possible. I guess native code is what we will have to do. Bummer.

Thanks for your help guys. (If you think of another work-around, I'm all ears.)

**Norm** · 03-14-2012, 04:30 PM

What about the proxy server approach?

**mfountain** · 03-14-2012, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the suggestion Norm, I could see that as a possibility. Will have to do some more digging.

**MonkeyMan** · 03-14-2012, 05:19 PM

I'm at awe with the attitude of some people... Someone asks for help, the guy basically shoots blame on them for trying to make spyware and says it can't be done without any kind of constructive approach as to why it can't be done.

He repeats it once more, still with no constructive input and yet again suggests that they are making spyware, even if it by another name.

Finally proceeds to insult their intellect, gives no evidence as to why it can't be done and finally gives a bit of constructive input for alternatives. Closing with yet another suggestion of OP's evil morals.

And this person is a moderator? Welcome to the java-forums indeed!