Java Professional Design

[klaus777]

Hi fellow designers,

I have to build (or let build) a Java GUI. I am, however not very optimist concerning the result. Hence my question: Have you even seen a Java GUI that really looks professional? How far is it possible to realize things like Mac Design with Swing or SWT?

many thanks,

Klaus.

 

[varmit]

Hi fellow designers,

I have to build (or let build) a Java GUI. I am, however not very optimist concerning the result. Hence my question: Have you even seen a Java GUI that really looks professional? How far is it possible to realize things like Mac Design with Swing or SWT?

many thanks,

Klaus.

Well, that is one thing that is great about the mac, you can use java code, but use cocoa as the interface. If you have Xcode, get Cocoa Programming for Dummies, yes the yellow dummies book, and follow the steps, but instead of Cocoa code for the main parts, use java. Under the Xcode new projects, choose the Cocoa-Java Applicaiont described as This project builds a Cocoa-based application written in Java. I did it for my Snappy program I have up on my website. Now if its a program that has to live on a website, the program takes characteristics of the platform that is accessing it. Like my Temp Program, which is just a basic tempeture calculator, has nice Aqua buttons when using OS X, and block ones when in Windows. Both of these are in the Projects part of my site www.ducktapeandglue.com, and Snappy is still a little unstable.

 

[therevolution]

I've seen many professional-looking GUI apps written in Java. Swing is very flexible, and you can always choose different look-and-feels to suit the look you are going for. One nice thing about Java on OS X is that the Aqua look and feel is the default, so it doesn't take much work at all to have a native-looking OS X app written in Java.

 

[4409723]

Here's a GUI I made in Java a few months back.

 

[jeremy.king]

Here's a GUI I made in Java a few months back.

Is that SWT or Swing?

Klaus - check out DBVisualizer - very solid UI that is 100% Java (I think). http://www.minq.se/products/dbvis/

 

[mkrishnan]

Here's a GUI I made in Java a few months back.

Wes, do you have a screenshot of what that looks like when it runs on a Windows machine? That's some pretty good design work there.... Is it even remotely speedy though? My impression of swing has always been that its quite slow.

 

[4409723]

It's not incredibly speedy, but for fetching essays from a MySQL Database and rendering a PDF it's fine.

It's swing.

Windows pic:

 

[oldpismo]

We develop UI with Java all the time with swing, and they look good and are fast. Swing used to be slow, but has speeded up alot recently. Sorry I can't show images, company secrets and all that.

Wes, I think your design looks great.

 

[mkrishnan]

It's not incredibly speedy, but for fetching essays from a MySQL Database and rendering a PDF it's fine.

It's swing.

Windows pic:

LOL, I meant the *other* windows, not Xwindows. But yes, looks good. Not quite as good as it does in OS X, but then I'm biased!

Okay, so I'm beginning to be sold that there can be good looking interfaces in Java....

But erm, maybe if you're really worried about how good it'll look, using JSPs and server-side Java is an option. Once you drop it in the browser window, people's expectations go waaaay down.

 

[snkTab]

But erm, maybe if you're really worried about how good it'll look, using JSPs and server-side Java is an option. Once you drop it in the browser window, people's expectations go waaaay down.

so true

 

[klaus777]

Thanks

Hi *,

Thanks all for your feedback. I am now convinced that Swing can really be used for professional design. Wes I like your GUI; In particular, the Mac L & F looks really professional. Have you tried the Windows L & F too?

I also found this guy on the net who seems also to produce quiet professional Java GUIs: http://jgoodies.com/index.html

Feel free to check this link it and post your comments (including critics) here, please!

best,

Klaus.