Java Swing

After learning AWT, lets now see what's Swing? Well, Swing is important to develop Java programs with a graphical user interface (GUI). There are many components which are used for the building of GUI in Swing. The Swing Toolkit consists of many components for the building of GUI. These components are also helpful in providing interactivity to Java applications. Following are components which are included in Swing toolkit:

• list controls
• buttons
• labels
• tree controls
• table controls

All AWT flexible components can be handled by the Java Swing. Swing toolkit contains far more components than the simple component toolkit. It is unique to any other toolkit in the way that it supports integrated internationalization, a highly customizable text package, rich undo support etc. Not only this you can also create your own look and feel using Swing other than the ones that are supported by it. The customized look and feel can be created using Synth which is specially designed. Not to forget that Swing also contains the basic user interface such as customizable painting, event handling, drag and drop etc.

The Java Foundation Classes (JFC) which supports many more features important to a GUI program comprises of Swing as well. The features which are supported by Java Foundation Classes (JFC) are the ability to create a program that can work in different languages, the ability to add rich graphics functionality etc.

The features which are provided by Swing and the Java Foundation Classes are as follows:

Swing GUI Components 

There are several components contained in Swing toolkit such as check boxes, buttons, tables, text etc. Some very simple components also provide sophisticated functionality. For instance, text fields provide formatted text input or password field behavior. Furthermore, the file browsers and dialogs can be used according to one's need and can even be customized.