Java Fractals

The Mandelbrot set is interesting because this 'graph' can be calculated to any resolution you like, so long as you have the storage space and processing time. This Java implementation doesn't quite go on forever, but you can keep on zooming in until Java's maths can't supply any more detail. To give you some idea of the scale of things, if you drew the initial picture at this 'maximum resolution' it would cover an area a few thousand miles across.

This is a Java 1.0.2 Applet, which should therefore run under most Java enabled browsers. It has been tested with Netscape 4.04, Internet Explorer 3.02 and a couple of non Intel/Windows browsers, including Opera on a Psion 5mx.

To use it, start by clicking 'Go' which will always draw the current area. You can increase the level of detail by playing with the scroll bar on the right of the applet. Further down introduces more detail, but BE WARNED that lots of detail can mean much slower drawing times. Drag on the image to select an area to magnify (hint - all the interesting stuff happens round the edge of the central black area). Once you've selected the area, click 'Go' again to draw it. As you zoom further in, you'll need to increase the level of detail to compensate.

Click 'Reset' to start again at the beginning.
If your machine is fast enough, you might like to click this link to explore the Mandelbrot set with a bigger window.