Applet installation and deletion on smart cards using Java Card technology is a complex topic. The design of the Application Programming Interface, Java Card Platform, Version 2.2.2 is intended to give Java Card RE implementers as much freedom as possible in their implementations. However, some basic common specifications are required to allow Java Card applets to be installed and deleted without knowing the implementation details of a particular installer or deletion manager.

This specification defines the concepts of an Installer and an Applet Deletion Manager and specifies minimal requirements to achieve interoperability across a wide range of possible Installer implementations.

The Applet Installer is an optional part of the Runtime Environment Specification, Java Card Platform, Version 2.2.2. An implementation of the Java Card RE does not necessarily need to include a post-issuance Installer. However, if implemented, the installer is required to support the behavior specified in this chapter.

If the implementation of the Java Card RE includes a post-issuance Installer, an Applet Deletion Manager that supports the behavior specified in this chapter is also required.

Section 11.1, The Installer describes CAP file loading and linking. For more information on CAP files, see the Virtual Machine Specification, Java Card Platform, Version 2.2.2. Section 11.2, The Newly Installed Applet describes applet installation. Even though the loading and linking operations are described together with the installation operations, there is no requirement that they be performed together during the same card session for the following reasons:

• Applet packages in ROM are preloaded and prelinked at card issuance, but instances of applets from these packages may be installed by the Installer during a card session.

• Applet packages may be downloaded and linked by the Installer during one card session, but applet instances from these packages may be installed by the Installer during a different card session.

• Library packages may be preloaded in ROM or downloaded and linked by the Installer during a card session. There are no applets to install within a library package.