Friday, 28 September 2012

SwingZx : Java Swing Component Library for Touch-Applications

With the advent of Java Fx2, Swing is likely to be limited to legacy applications. However pre-2012 Java Fx2 linux-support and design tools weren't too ready.

At Vinnovationz back in 2011, we decided to build a simple in-house Swing Component Library for our Touch-Applications from Vending machines, POS and Self-Service Kiosks.


The following are some demo screen shoots:




The library allowed us to quickly design GUI views, right within Netbeans. Each component's properties can be changed easily at the properties panel, like regular swing components, much easier than designing web pages, or using Java Fx2. Adjustable properties of the controls include: border width, border gradients, dual surface gradients, shadow, reflection, text accent, etc etc. Features like border gradient and dual surface gradients are not available for web CSS comparatively, which is how we achieved the above visual design.






Now...who says Swing has no more juice?!? :)