48024: Programming Alternative Assignment 2 Assessment Answer

JavaFX Technology

An optimal approach to familiarize you with the process of developing the JavaFX application involves the implementation of a "Hello World" application. This lesson has the additional advantage of allowing you to verify the correct installation of your JavaFX technology. The incorporation of JavaFX Scene Builder alongside NetBeans IDE offers an efficient development approach. Before proceeding with the remainder of this chapter, it is expected that you have set up Scene Builder. Refer towards the JavaFX Scene Builder Install Guide for additional detailed instructions on how to install the software [1].

Basic structure

Below are the key aspects to understand about the fundamental framework that comprises a JavaFX application:

• The primary class used by a JavaFX application includes the javafx.application. The Application class. The start() method serves as the primary point of entry for all JavaFX applications.
• A JavaFX program establishes a user interface container using a stage and a scene. The JavaFX Stages class serves as the highest-level container in the JavaFX framework. The JavaFX Scene classes serve as the encompassing entity for all content. Example 1-1 initializes the stage as well as the scene as well as sets the scene to be visible with a specified pixel size.
• The content display of the scene in JavaFX is represented in the form of a hierarchical scene graph composed of nodes. The root node in this example represents a StackPane object, which acts as a layout node that may be resized. Consequently, the dimensions of the root node are synchronized with the dimensions of the scene and are modified when the user resizes the stage.
• The root node consists of a single child node, which is a button control containing text. Additionally, there is an event handler that is triggered when the button in question is pressed, causing a message to be printed.
• The main() function is unnecessary for JavaFX applications if the JAR file is generated using a JavaFX Packager tool, as it includes the JavaFX Launcher within the JAR file. Nevertheless, it is advantageous to incorporate the main() function to execute JAR files that were generated without the JavaFX Launcher. This is particularly handy when utilizing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that lacks complete integration of the JavaFX tools. In addition, Swing applications that incorporate JavaFX code necessitate the presence of the main() method.

Figure 1: Javafx scene using graph

By right-clicking on the node representing the FXML file and selecting the "Open" option, NetBeans IDE will automatically detect the most recent installation of Scene Builder on your machine [2, 3]. This will cause the Scene Builder windows to appear on top within the NetBeans window.

To utilize an alternative installation of Scene Builder or in the case, NetBeans is unable to locate the version of Scene Builder, follow these instructions to specify the location of the desired Scene Builder installation to be used with NetBeans IDE.

• To access the Options, navigate to the Tools section in the Main menu.
• To access the Preferences menu in NetBeans depending on the Mac OS platform, simply pick NetBeans on the Main menu.
• Within the Options box, select the Java category and thereafter navigate to the JavaFX tab.
• Indicate the precise directory where the Scene Builder is installed and subsequently select the OK button.

Syncing using the Controller Source Code

The Make Controller functionality in NetBeans IDE enables the synchronization of adjustments made in the currently opened FXML file in Scene Builder with the corresponding controller source code in NetBeans IDE [4]. To demonstrate this functionality, take these steps:

• Within Scene Builder, move a Button control about the Library panel into the Control panel by dragging it.
• In the Code panel, modify the value of the recently added button's fx:id field as well as update the name of the connection method “Action’”.
• Access the main menu & choose the "Select File" option, followed by the "Save" option.
• To modify the FXML file with NetBeans IDE 7.4 as well as a newer version, simply right-click on the project node and choose the "Edit" option from the context menu that appears.
• To choose the "Make Controller" option, navigate to the main menu and pick "Source".
• The @FXML private variables as well as the new on Action function for the button added in the Scene Builder is generated in the controller's source file. To rectify the deletion of an element inside the Control Panel or the modification of a fx:id value as well as an approach name in Scene Builder, employ the Make Controller command.

Once you have been acquainted with the interaction that exists between the Scene Builder tool as well as NetBeans IDE, refer to the JavaFX Scene Builder User Guide for a comprehensive understanding of the various functions offered by Scene Builder [5]. Follow the instructions outlined in the guide "Getting Started using JavaFX Scene Builder" to develop a basic issue-tracking application.

Additionally, you may experiment with the sample applications included in the Scene Builder version. All of these examples are NetBeans projects, implying that they may be compiled and executed immediately upon being opened in the IDE that comes with NetBeans. 

Benefits of JavaFX for FXML

JavaFX offers a wide array of features to facilitate the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), including tables, buttons, trees, menus, as well as various more [5, 6]. Additionally, it provides support for CSS, both 2D and 3D Graphics, as well as WebView functionality. The following is a list of JavaFX characteristics, along with examples of subcomponents, to enhance comprehension:

• The core components of the JavaFX framework are FXML, Stage, Scene, and others.
• Layout options include HBox, VBox, BorderPane, TextFlow, FlowPanel, and others.
• User interface elements such as labels, buttons, text fields, and menu bars.
• Controls that are used to contain and organize other elements, such as the Accordion and TablePane.
• Web (WebView, etc.) refers to the use of web technologies, such as WebView, to display and interact with web content within an application.
• Graphical representations such as PieChart and BarChart.
• Additional concepts encompass fonts, animation, effects, and other related elements.

While it is true that numerous tasks have migrated from PCs to the internet, desktop applications remain a viable and relevant technology. Local/native programs are often favored by users because to their superior graphical user interface (GUI) experience, greater efficiency, and more dependability. Examples of scenarios where desktop apps are utilized include:

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are software applications that provide comprehensive tools and features for software development.
• Editors are software programs that allow users to create and modify text files
• Audio and video editing software
• Media players Gaming applications

Furthermore, several mobile and web apps possess corresponding versions designed specifically for desktop usage, including Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, as well as Slack. Desktop development is a very profitable domain for developers, thus making JavaFX a valuable technology to acquire.

In addition, JavaFX extends beyond traditional desktop application development. JavaFX applications can be developed as native images and deployed on mobile devices. Gluon provides tools specifically designed for this purpose, while Liberica Native Image Kit enables the efficient and seamless conversion of Java applications into native executables.

JavaFX is compatible with embedded devices like Raspberry Pi. Consult our manual for instructions on using Liberica JDK using JavaFX on this widely-used microcomputer.

Conclusion

JavaFX technology provides a robust tool for developing user interfaces as well as applications. The software is built upon the JavaFX framework, including the Applications class, Stages class, as well as Scene classes. The JavaFX scene graph is a visual representation of the content display. It consists of a root node, which is a StackPane object, as well as a single child node that contains text. The main() function is superfluous for JavaFX applications created with the JavaFX Packager tool, however, it is beneficial for running JAR files created without using JavaFX Launcher. The main() function is essential for the Swing applications that integrate JavaFX programming. To utilize a different installation of Scene Builder, simply follow these steps: access the Tools section in the Main menu, choose NetBeans from the Main menu, pick Java in the Options box, and indicate the precise directory where the Scene Builder has been installed.

The Make Controller feature in NetBeans IDE enables the synchronization of modifications made within the FXML file in the Scene Builder into the relevant controller code located in NetBeans IDE. To illustrate this feature, relocate a Button control from the Library panel to the Control panel, alter the value of the button's fx:id field, as well as rename the connection technique "Action." To make changes to the FXML file using NetBeans IDE 7.4 as well as a more recent version, simply right-click over the project node as well as select the "Edit" options from the resulting context menu. Select the "Make Controller" option as well as proceed to the main menu. From there, choose the "Source" option. The private variables annotated with @FXML and the event handling function that the button that was added within the Scene Builder are automatically produced in the source file of the controller. JavaFX for FXML provides an extensive range of features that simplify the creation of graphical user interfaces (i.e. GUIs), including support for CSS, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, as well as WebView functionality.

References

• Yulina, Syefrida. "Design and Implementation: JavaFX Face Detection with Scene Builder and Netbeans IDE."International ABEC (2021): 53-56.
• Flatscher, Rony G., and Günter Müller. "Employing Portable JavaFX GUIs with Scripting Languages."Central European Conference on Information and Intelligent Systems. 2021.
• Panula, Matti.A Domain Specific Graphical User Interface Framework. MS thesis. 2020.
• Grinev, Sergey.Mastering JavaFX 10: Build advanced and visually stunning Java applications. Packt Publishing Ltd, 2018.
• Kruk, Grzegorz, et al. "JACoW: Best practices for efficient development of JavaFX applications." (2018): THAPL02.
• Panula, Matti.A Domain Specific Graphical User Interface Framework. MS thesis. 2020.
         

Java Script File

package helloworld;

import javafx.application.Application;
import javafx.event.ActionEvent;
import javafx.event.EventHandler;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.scene.control.Button;
import javafx.scene.layout.StackPane;
import javafx.stage.Stage;

public class HelloWorld extends Application {
public static void main(String[] args) {
launch(args);
}

@Override
public void start(Stage primaryStage) {
primaryStage.setTitle("Hello World!");
Button btn = new Button();
btn.setText("Say 'Hello World'");
btn.setOnAction(new EventHandler() {

@Override
public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
System.out.println("Hello World!");
}
});

StackPane root = new StackPane();
root.getChildren().add(btn);
primaryStage.setScene(new Scene(root, 300, 250));
primaryStage.show();
}
}

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