Javafx 2.0 – A Rich Client Platform

By Author: Mark Royson
Total Articles: 136
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Wikipedia defines JavaFX as "a software platform for creating and delivering rich Internet applications that can run across a wide variety of connected devices." JavaFX 2.0 version was released in October 2011. JavaFX 2.0 version makes use of graphical user interface (GUI) which enables developers to design Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) that work on varied platforms. This version is truly a Java language application programming interface (API).

JavaFX 2.0: Features

Java APIs for JavaFX: It provides familiar language features like generics, multithreading, and annotations. This platform makes it easier for web developers to use JavaFX from other languages like JRuby and JavaScript. Favourite Java tools like IDEs and code refactoring can be accessed to develop Java applications.

Graphics System: Two graphics accelerated pipelines are included in the Java 2.0 version namely Prism and Quantum toolkit. This new graphic engine provides a platform to develop rich, simple, and smooth graphics.

FXML, a new declarative language: ...
... This language is XML based and is used for defining user interfaces. Complicated user interfaces can be developed and maintained easily through this language.

Web Component: It enables embedding of web pages within JavaFX application through the HTML rendering technology.

Media Engine: The media engine feature is revamped completely in the JavaFX 2.0 version. It facilitates stable and consistent media playback of video and audio content in popular formats within the application.

UI Controls: Java provides a wide variety of over 50 UI controls which includes charts, menus, and tables. It makes available charts that are easily customizable with the help of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). These controls help in the complete development of an innovative application. The controls are portable across varied platforms.

Swing applications: It offers seamless integration into swing applications. Already existing swing applications is updated easily with new Java features like rich graphics APIs.

These new features enable professionals to design and develop applications with ease and enhance the client experience.

Benefits of the JavaFX Platform