How to store and access variables on a server using a Java applet (on the client)?

I need some SPECIFIC help with storing and accessing variables to a server using a Java applet. I need the applet to be able to send and receive data to a php script. I know Java and php but do not know how to make them communicate with each other. I only need to store a few integer values, and would greatly appreciate a simple algorithm to do this (both the php script and Java method)