Java Look and Feel Design Guidelines provides essential information for anyone involved in the process of creating cross-platform Java(TM) applications and applets. Offering design guidelines for software that uses the Java(TM) Foundation Classes (JFC) together with the Java look and feel, this book offers designers and software developers an unparalleled resource. The book addresses: *Design concepts underlying the Java look and feel *The JFC and effective ways to use JFC components *Techniques for handling the design challenges posed by cross-platform delivery, applets, accessibility issues, and internationalization and localization requirements *The flush 3D effect, drag texture, color model, and other graphical hallmarks of the Java look and feel *Windows, dialog boxes, menus, and toolbars *Basic controls *Display and editing of text *Tables, toolbars, and tree views *Keyboard navigation As the Java language has matured, designers and developers have come to recognize the need for consistent, compatible, and easy-to-use cross-platform Java applications.The Java look and feel meets that need by providing a distinctive platform-independent appearance and standard behavior for the enterprise environment. The use of this single look and feel reduces design cost and development time, and lowers the cost of training and documentation for all users. Written by the experts at Sun Microsystems, Inc., this timely book provides many useful recommendations to designers for the use of the Java look and feel. By following these powerful guidelines, you can create Java applications with the flexibility, visual appeal, and consistency you need. 0201615851B04062001
Java Look and Feel Design Guidelines, from Sun Microsystems, provides programmers with the requirements for creating user interfaces using the Java Foundation Classes (JFC). This handsomely printed book uses rich colour on every page while demonstrating how you can create Java programs that will look great on any computer.
The book focuses on the built-in Java look-and-feel (called Metal). Early sections discuss the philosophy of Java user interfaces, which include excellent support for different languages and accessibility, keeping disabled users in mind.
Much of this text covers Java UI elements offering advice on creating more intuitive interfaces. Sections of the book look at the rudimentary, visual sensibilities needed for using colours and text appropriately, including how to design artwork (like icons and graphics) that fits in with the rest of the JFC interface. One example shows the step-by-step creation of a proper Java icon. Other sections propose standards for the number of pixels that should be used to separate onscreen elements. Sections on mouse, keyboard and drag-and-drop user operations make clear how your Java programs should handle user actions.
Later this text surveys JFC components beginning with basic windows, dialogue boxes, menus and toolbars. Next it's on to individual components from basic controls (like buttons, checkboxes and text controls) to more advanced components (like tables and tree controls). (This section, which lists the extensive options for selecting data and resizing table columns, shows the real sophistication of today's JFC package.)
Though it contains no actual Java code, Java Look and Feel Guidelines defines the visual design standard for the next generation of Java programs. It will useful for anyone who builds user interfaces during the software design process. --Richard Dragan, Amazon.com
