compiles fine but won't execute.......

I just created a simple applet in java using textpad. I debugged it and then compiled. Textpad said "Tool completed successfully" which is what it usually says when the program should work, however when I ran the applet from text pad the program wouldn't execute. Then I executed it from firefox and at the bottom of the browser it said "Applet notinited" and "Loading Applet Failed". I then opened up the java console and it said "NullPointerException". Well this whole concept of the program compiling successfully and then not excecuting is tottally new to me.... It won't even initiate and show logic errors....

If anyone knows what this is or can provide examples it would be greatly appreciated. I'd rather not send the source to anyone , but if they need it I can (send an email to diazolidineyl@gmail.com). However don't tell me the answer! Also I've only been programming since Jan. So I know there are a lot of other mistakes.

One more question. I know when programming applications in java you can use escape characters to format your text is there anything equivalent in creating applets???

Many Thanks

-Tim