Java Language - 202 - JavaFX Desktop Applications

Desktop Application Development – JavaFX Desktop Applications

JavaFX is a powerful framework for creating rich and interactive desktop applications in Java. It provides a wide range of features for building modern and visually appealing applications with a user-friendly interface. In this article, we will explore JavaFX for desktop application development, its key components, and how to create a simple JavaFX application.

1. Introduction to JavaFX

JavaFX is a platform-independent, open-source framework for building desktop applications. It offers a variety of tools and libraries for creating applications with rich user interfaces, multimedia support, and interactive graphics. JavaFX applications are typically written in Java, and they can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

2. Key Components of JavaFX

JavaFX consists of several key components that make it a versatile framework for desktop application development:

2.1. Scene Graph

JavaFX applications are built using a scene graph, a hierarchical structure of nodes. Nodes can represent various elements, such as buttons, text, images, and shapes. The scene graph defines the visual hierarchy of the user interface.

2.2. FXML

FXML is a markup language for defining user interfaces in JavaFX. It allows developers to create the user interface layout declaratively, making it easier to design complex screens without writing Java code.

2.3. CSS Styling

JavaFX supports Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for applying styles and themes to the user interface. You can define styles for different components, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing look for your application.

2.4. Rich Controls

JavaFX provides a rich set of controls that can be easily customized and extended. These controls include buttons, text fields, tables, and charts, among others.

2.5. Multimedia Support

JavaFX offers built-in support for multimedia elements, including audio, video, and animations. This makes it suitable for creating applications with interactive media content.

3. Creating a Simple JavaFX Application

Let’s create a basic JavaFX application that displays a “Hello, JavaFX!” message:

3.1. Application Class

Create a Java class that extends the javafx.application.Application class. This class serves as the entry point for your JavaFX application.


import javafx.application.Application;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.scene.text.Text;
import javafx.stage.Stage;

public class HelloJavaFX extends Application {
    @Override
    public void start(Stage stage) {
        Text message = new Text("Hello, JavaFX!");
        Scene scene = new Scene(message, 300, 200);

        stage.setTitle("JavaFX Hello World");
        stage.setScene(scene);
        stage.show();
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        launch(args);
    }
}

3.2. Main Method

The main method of your Java class calls the launch method to start the JavaFX application.

3.3. Scene and Stage

In the start method, you create a Scene that contains a simple text message. The Stage represents the main window of the application. You set the title and scene for the stage and display it.

4. Running the JavaFX Application

Compile and run your JavaFX application. You will see a window with the “Hello, JavaFX!” message displayed in the center.

5. Conclusion

JavaFX is a versatile framework for developing modern desktop applications with rich user interfaces and interactive graphics. It offers a wide range of features and components that simplify the development process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own JavaFX applications and explore the capabilities of this powerful framework.

Java Language – 202 – JavaFX Desktop Applications