Consider your Java application framework options

by David Petersheim | Aug 11, 2005 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Construction, Programming languages, Java development tools, Java application, David Petersheim, application framework, Java, Java Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: You should consider using an existing application framework the next time you have to build an app that requires a GUI. Learn about some of your Java app framework options.

The next time you have to build an application that requires a GUI, consider using an existing application framework.

If you decide to go this route, you have options. Three popular platforms are Eclipse, NetBeans, and JLense. Most of the functionality in these three platforms is pluggable. To get the desired functionality, simply write plug-ins that do what you want and then assemble them into an application.

Several benefits to using application frameworks include:

• You get a consistent look and feel across all of your applications.
• You don't have to write the same code over and over to create main windows, menus, etc.
• You can take advantage of the frameworks' value-added widgets like toolbars, pop-ups, status bars, and logging facilities.

One big disadvantage to using a framework is that you'll have to learn a new API to be able to write your plug-ins. All of the platforms will have the same basic features, such as main windows, editors, and tasks, but each one will give access to these resources in a different way. Another disadvantage is that none of these frameworks are particularly small. All of the frameworks mentioned in this tip weigh in at a few megs.

Although there are good and bad points to using an application framework to create your applications, the payoff can be substantial. If your organization writes applications whose end users are used to working with polished commercial applications, it's definitely an option you should research.

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