JavaFX Programming Basics

10 Questions

What is the main purpose of using a container class, such as a Pane, in JavaFX?

To automatically lay out nodes in a desired location and size

What is the relationship between a Node and a Shape in JavaFX?

A Shape is a subtype of a Node

What is the primary function of a Group in JavaFX?

To group a collection of nodes and apply transformations or effects to them

What is the result of invoking the getChildren() method on a Pane in JavaFX?

An instance of ObservableList

How do you add a node to a Pane in JavaFX?

Using the add() method on the ObservableList returned by getChildren()

What is the purpose of using a StackPane in JavaFX?

To stack nodes on top of each other

What is the relationship between a UI control and a Node in JavaFX?

A UI control is a subtype of a Node

How do you set the position and size properties of a Button in JavaFX?

Using the setWidth() and setHeight() methods

What is the advantage of using a container class, such as a Pane, in JavaFX?

It allows for more flexibility in layout management

What is the purpose of the ObservableList in JavaFX?

To store a collection of nodes that can be modified and observed

Study Notes

Introduction to JavaFX

JavaFX is a framework for developing Java GUI programs and is an excellent pedagogical tool for learning object-oriented programming.
JavaFX API is an example of how object-oriented principles are applied.

JavaFX vs. Swing and AWT

JavaFX is the new platform for developing rich GUI applications, replacing Swing and AWT.
AWT is fine for developing simple graphical user interfaces but not for comprehensive GUI projects, and is prone to platform-specific bugs.
Swing is a more robust, versatile, and flexible library that replaced AWT, but is now replaced by JavaFX.

Key Classes in JavaFX

javafx.application.Application class defines the essential framework for writing JavaFX programs.
The main class overrides the start method defined in javafx.application.Application.

Creating a JavaFX Application

A JavaFX application is launched, the JVM constructs an instance of the class using its no-arg constructor and invokes its start method.
The start method normally places UI controls in a scene and displays the scene in a stage.

Scenes and Stages

A Scene object can be created using the constructor Scene(node, width, height).
A Stage object is a window, and a primary stage is automatically created by the JVM when the application is launched.
A Stage object is like a platform to support scenes, and nodes are like actors to perform in the scenes.

Nodes in JavaFX

Node is the superclass of all visual components, including panes, groups, UI controls, and shapes.
Subtypes of Node include Pane, Group, UI Control, and Shape.
A Pane is a container class for automatically laying out nodes in a desired location and size.
A Group is a container that groups a collection of nodes, and transformations or effects applied to a group apply to all children in the group.