Swing forms use the newer Java Foundation Class (JFC) components for building GUIs that are implemented without native code. The AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) is the original Java class library for building Java GUIs. The AWT contains native code (code that refers to methods of a specific operating system or that is compiled for a specific processor).
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You should use only AWT components in AWT forms and Swing components in Swing forms. It is possible to mix AWT and Swing components in one form, but doing so can cause repaint problems at both design time and run time. |
The following table lists the types of form templates you can choose. Each differs in the design time and run time look of the form and in the code generated for the form's class.
Form Type | Description |
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Swing JApplet | Program run by a Java-enabled web browser or other applet viewer. |
Swing JDialog | Modal or modeless window for collecting user input. |
Swing JFrame | Top-level application window. |
Swing JInternalFrame | An internal frame that can be placed on a JDesktopPane component to create an MDI application. |
Swing JPanel | Lightweight container for holding parts of an interface. The container can, in turn, be used in any other container, such as a JFrame, JPanel, JApplet, or JDialog component. |
Bean Form |
Form template used to design a new form using any class which is based on
JavaBeansTM component architecture.
The base class being extended can be visual or nonvisual. The fully qualified name of the base class must be specified in the Superclass field, which is found in the Basic Class Definition pane (step 3) of the New wizard. When created, the new form is added to the Component Inspector's tree view under Other Components node. |
AWT Forms | Visual forms that are parallel to the Swing forms, but are based on the AWT. The forms include Applet, Dialog, Frame, and Panel. |
Sample Forms | A few customized sample forms. The sample forms include a JFrame-based application with three menus, a JFrame application that can be used as the main window for an MDI application, and a dialog box with OK and Cancel buttons. |
See also | |
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Form Editor
Templates Creating a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) Application |