New starter advice needed - JFrame programming

[Jim Swenson]

I installed Windowsbuilder in Eclipse as described in this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeswfZz4IW0&spfreload=1

To get starated I now want to create a simple JFrame application that works in the following way. On the opening screen I want to present 4 buttons. Based on the selection I want the JFrame to change layout and components so that the same JFrame behind the scenes contains 5 layouts but only one visible at any time. What is the best way to accomplish this? Or should I do this in another way using multiple JFrames or similar?

[Darryl Burke]

I don't use either Windowsbuilder or Eclipse, but have you discovered the Oracle tutorials? There's a section on layouts that you will find interesting -- especially the part about CardLayout.

[Maneesh Godbole]

What Darryl said. +1

As you have already found out DnD style tools are at best good for quick UI mock ups. Especially considering you are at a beginner stage, I would strongly recommend hand coding. Along with the link Darryl shared, also download and refer to the API docs. Almost all the swing components are peppered with How to use xxx e.g. http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/uiswing/components/table.html

[Campbell Ritchie]

And welcome to the Ranch