BreezySwing is easy to use, and this tutorial will get you off to a quick start. We assume that you are familiar with the basics of Java and that you know how to write, compile, and run simple Java programs that use classes that you have designed yourself. If you have not yet programmed in Java, we recommend picking up Fundamentals of Java: AP* Computer Science Essentials.
You do not need to know anything about programming GUIs. That is the purpose of this tutorial.
In addition to learning the powerful features of BreezySwing, you will explore general principles for constructing GUI-based programs. These include:
Nearly everything you learn will apply directly to Java's javax.swing and java.awt packages, the standard but complex resources for creating GUI-based applications in Java.
1. Core material - After reading this material you will know enough about BreezySwing to use it in a wide range of applications. So, it is fine to stop here and start enjoying the benefits of doing things in Java the GUI way.
| A first BreezySwing program | A first look at BreezySwing using a simple tax calculator program. |
| The breezy skeleton | The basic structure of all BreezySwing programs. |
| The application window | Setting up an application window. |
| Adding window components | How to lay out an interface in BreezySwing. |
| Responding to button events | Methods for responding to user events, such as button clicks. |
| Data entry fields | Input and output of numbers and text with fields |
| Manipulating window components | Accessing and modifying the attributes of window components. |
2. More window components and other features - BreezySwing allows you to create fairly sophisticated user interfaces. Read this part when you are ready to add more power, interest, and flexibility to your GUIs.
| Message boxes | Notifying users of important events with popup dialogs. |
| Menus | Adding dropdown menus to an application. |
| Text areas | Using a multiline field for input and output of text. |
| Dialogs and Model/View/Controller | Using a dialog to provide a subview of the same data model within an application. |
| Scrolling list boxes | Input and output with lists of strings. |
| Radio buttons, etc. | Giving users choices with radio buttons, check boxes, and combo boxes. |
3. Graphics and mouse events - graphics opens up a whole new world of applications.
| Panels | Setting up rectangular areas for interactive graphics. |
| Simple graphics | Graphics in BreezySwing applications. |
| Mouse events and interactive graphics | Responding to mouse events in graphics applications. |
| Organizing widgets in panels | Using panels to group widgets in regions of a window. |