Jeffrey Friesen wrote:Hi Igor,
My book is basically a tour of Java language features and assorted APIs (and unfortunately some Android at my publisher's insistence). Chapter 7 introduces the reader to Abstract Window Toolkit followed by Swing followed by Java 2D -- the bonus Appendix C from my website also introduces Accessibility and Drag and Drop. I start with AWT because it provides a foundation on which Swing is built.
Swing is a fairly mature toolkit and will continue to be maintained (and possibly enhanced from time to time) because of its wide use. However, the reality is that Swing is yesterday's technology and is being deemphasized in favor of JavaFX.
JavaFX simplifies the creation of applications with rich user interfaces (e.g., effects, animations, and media). Moving forward, JavaFX is the place to be for UI development.
My book doesn't discuss JavaFX because JavaFX isn't integrated into Java 7. If I was writing about Java 8, I would discuss JavaFX instead of AWT/Swing/Java 2D because JavaFX will be integrated into that release. Also, JavaFX will become increasingly important as time passes.
All the best.
Jeff
I wouldn't agree that Swing is maintained though. I was recently working on an app, which had to save
RTF content and the Swing's RTFEditorKit wouldn't save the text alignment. It's a real easy fix and they are quite aware of
this bug and yet they haven't done anything to fix it. These kinds of things only make me reconsider using swing again. Perhaps JavaFX would be better, despite not beeing primarily meant for desktop applications.
Aside from that, your book seems to have everything I need then. I would love to read it.