Java Programming - Lecture 41

Java Programming

Lecture 41: JavaFX Basics and GUI Programming

GTU Diploma in Computer Engineering

layout: two-cols

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to:

  • Understand JavaFX architecture and components
  • Create basic JavaFX applications
  • Work with scenes, stages, and nodes
  • Handle user events and interactions
  • Use common JavaFX controls and layouts
  • Style applications with CSS
  • Build responsive user interfaces
  • Create data-driven applications with TableView

::right::

Lecture Overview

  1. Introduction to JavaFX
  2. JavaFX Application Structure
  3. Scene Graph and Nodes
  4. Common Controls
  5. Layout Managers
  6. Event Handling
  7. CSS Styling
  8. TableView and Data Binding
  9. FXML and Scene Builder
  10. Hands-on Exercises

What is JavaFX?

JavaFX is a modern UI toolkit for building rich desktop applications in Java.

Key Features

  1. Rich UI Controls: Extensive set of built-in controls
  2. CSS Styling: Web-like styling capabilities
  3. FXML: XML-based markup for UI design
  4. Scene Graph: Hierarchical representation of UI components
  5. Hardware Acceleration: GPU-accelerated graphics
  6. Media Support: Audio and video playback
  7. Web Integration: WebView component for HTML content

JavaFX vs Swing

Java

JavaFX Application Structure

Every JavaFX application follows a specific structure.

Basic Application Template

Java

Application Lifecycle

Java

Scene Graph and Nodes

JavaFX uses a scene graph - a hierarchical tree of nodes.

Understanding the Hierarchy

Java

Common JavaFX Controls

JavaFX provides a rich set of built-in controls.

Basic Controls

Java

Layout Managers

Layout managers control how components are arranged in containers.

Common Layout Managers

Java

Event Handling

JavaFX provides multiple ways to handle user events.

Event Handling Mechanisms

Java

CSS Styling

JavaFX supports CSS for styling applications.

CSS Styling Examples

Java

TableView and Data Binding

TableView is used for displaying tabular data with sorting and editing capabilities.

Java

FXML and Scene Builder

FXML allows you to separate UI design from application logic.

FXML Example

First, create an FXML file (LoginForm.fxml):

xml

Now, the controller class:

Java

Main application class to load FXML:

Java

Hands-on Exercise 1: Student Registration Form

Create a comprehensive student registration form using JavaFX:

Java

Hands-on Exercise 2: Simple Calculator

Create a functional calculator application:

Java

Exercise Solutions: Student Registration Form

Java

Summary

Key Concepts Covered

  1. JavaFX Architecture: Stage, Scene, Scene Graph, and Nodes
  2. Application Structure: Application lifecycle and proper initialization
  3. UI Controls: Buttons, text fields, lists, tables, and specialized controls
  4. Layout Managers: VBox, HBox, BorderPane, GridPane, StackPane, FlowPane
  5. Event Handling: Action events, mouse events, key events, and property listeners
  6. CSS Styling: Inline styles and external stylesheets
  7. Data Binding: TableView with observable properties
  8. FXML: Separating UI design from application logic

Benefits of JavaFX

  • Modern UI: Rich, responsive user interfaces
  • CSS Styling: Web-like styling capabilities
  • Data Binding: Automatic UI updates with property changes
  • FXML Support: Designer-developer workflow separation
  • Cross-platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Best Practices

  • Use appropriate layout managers for responsive design
  • Separate UI logic from business logic
  • Use data binding for dynamic UI updates
  • Apply consistent styling throughout the application
  • Handle user input validation properly
  • Use FXML for complex UI designs

Next Lecture Preview

Lecture 42: Final Review and Project Integration

  • Review of all major Java concepts covered
  • Best practices for Java development
  • Project planning and architecture
  • Integration of different Java technologies
  • Preparation for real-world development
  • Career guidance and next steps

Preparation

  • Review previous lectures and practice exercises
  • Think about potential project ideas
  • Prepare questions about Java development practices

Thank You!

Questions and Discussion

  • How does JavaFX compare to other UI frameworks you've used?
  • What are the advantages of using FXML vs pure Java code for UI design?
  • How can you make JavaFX applications more responsive and user-friendly?

Resources for Further Learning

  • Oracle JavaFX Documentation
  • JavaFX Scene Builder for visual UI design
  • OpenJFX community and resources
  • Practice building complete desktop applications

Next: Final Review and Project Integration