Course Outline: Introduction to Java Foundation Classes
(2 Days) with Hands-On Labs
Learning Objectives
Understand the basics of the JFC architecture
Build simple GUI applications using JFC
Build more complex GUIs using various JFC controls
Use the many hooks into the JFC architecture to easily customize rendering and editing within JFC controls
Understand the significance of the MVC decomposition in using JFC controls
Build GUI classes that make effective use of events as fired from model, view and controller elements of the GUI itself
This course description should be used to determine whether the course is appropriate for you based on your current skill and technical training needs. Technical information is provided on the intended audience, course prerequisites, and covered topics. Course content, prices, and availability are subject to change without notice.
Course Audience
This 2-day module introduces the Java programmer to the Java Foundation Classes – a.k.a. Swing – the new comprehensive framework for GUI development using Java.
Course Description
The student will study the fundamentals of the JFC architecture – including a review of key AWT concepts, if necessary – and quickly move to building simple JFC frame-based applications. The standard controls are covered, including labels, text components, buttons, listboxes, and comboboxes. (For coverage of tree and table controls look to our module Advanced Data Structures and JFC.) Architectural patterns are emphasized, especially JFC’s strict use of the Model-View-Controller paradigm. Understanding the thorough use of this pattern in JFC is critical to using the framework effectively. Event handling is treated, both handling AWT-style events, such as action events from button clicks, and handling events fired by the model that lies under a particular control.
Prerequisites
Solid experience with Java programming is required.
A firm understanding of OO concepts is strongly recommended.
Knowledge of AWT is strongly recommended, but some review is done and very little direct AWT coding is involved in the module.
TOPICS COVERED IN LECTURE & LAB
Introduction to JFC
Abstract Windowing Toolkit Basics
Simple Layout Management
Simple Event Handling
Lightweight Controls
JFC Feature Set
JFC Architecture and Relationship to AWT
JFC Application Design
Role of a JFrame
Building a Frame-Based JFC Application
Panes
Using Dialogs
JFC Components
JFC Component Class Hierarchy
JComponent Features
Simple Control Types
Text Components
Menus
Managing Look and Feel
Architectural Patterns
Observer Pattern
Model-View-Controller Decomposition
Strategy Pattern
JList
Factory Pattern
JComboBox
Appendix A. References
Appendix B. JFC Event Sources – Quick Reference
System Requirements
JDK 1.2 and the JavaIDL compiler are required. Any system that supports both of these will support the lab software. A TCP network between student machines is strongly recommended but not critical.
