The '61-'71 Dodge Truck Website Java Info about the Decoder

Version History:

• 1.00 4-30-98 - This is the first working version of the Decoder, in application form (Windows program). On this date, the application was presented as the final project for the Cpts253 course.
• 1.01 4-30-98 - Later that same day, the Applet version was created and testing began. It worked only in Netscape 4.03 and 4.04 at this point, since the Sun Java Plugin had just been released.
• 1.02 5-1-98 - some subtle refinements were added to the decoding algorithm at this point, causing it to fail in most browsers with or without the plugin. Further refinements continued, allowing the program to accept errors in the VIN number when the characters entered were the correct length but the wrong type. A new "no year" image was added to prompt users when they have confused the program with the sequence number entered.
• 1.03 5-5-98 - On this date, the Decoder was repaired from browser troubles with the Sun Java Plugin. Functionality was added and finalized within the algorithm to make it more user friendly. This is the current version.

Purpose of the Decoder Applet The DecoderApplet was originally created as a final project for the Spring `98 CptS 253 Java course at WSU (one of only two courses during my entire college career that did not apply to my major). The subject matter of the project was our choice, but had to incorporate fundamentals learned throughout the course. My personal goals for creating the decoder were to create a revolutionary item which was not currently available on the Web and to find a constructive use for Java. The second goal was quickly affirmed as I learned more about the programming language as the semester progressed. I have seen other VIN decoders for Autos on the Web, but none quite like this one.

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