JavaFX is an excellent pedagogical tool for learning object-oriented programming. JavaFX is a new framework for developing Java GUI programs. The JavaFX API is an excellent example of how the object-oriented principles are applied. We'll present the basics of JavaFX programming. and uses of JavaFX to demonstrate object-oriented design and programming. Specifically, we'll introduce the framework of JavaFX and discuss JavaFX GUI components and their relationships. You will learn how to develop simple GUI programs using layout panes, buttons, labels, text fields, colors, fonts, images, image views, and shapes.

JavaFX vs Swing and AWT

Swing and AWT are replaced by the JavaFX platform for developing rich Internet applications. When Java was introduced, the GUI classes were bundled in a library known as the Abstract Windows Toolkit (AWT). AWT is fine for developing simple graphical user interfaces, but not for developing comprehensive GUI projects. In addition, AWT is prone to platform-specific bugs. The AWT user-interface components were replaced by a more robust, versatile, and flexible library known as Swing components. Swing components are painted directly on canvases using Java code. Swing components depend less on the target platform and use less of the native GUI resources. Swing is designed for developing desktop GUI applications. It is now replaced by a completely new GUI platform known as JavaFX. JavaFX incorporates modern GUI technologies to enable you to develop rich Internet applications. A rich Internet application (RIA) is a Web application designed to deliver the same features and functions normally associated with deskop applications. A JavaFX application can run seemlessly on a desktop and from a Web browser. Additionally, JavaFX provides a multi-touch support for touchenabled devices such as tablets and smart phones. JavaFX has a built-in 2D, 3D, animation support, video and audio playback, and runs as a stand-alone application or from a browser.

JavaFX is much simpler to learn and use for new Java programmers. Swing is essentially dead, because it will not receive any further enhancement. JavaFX is the new GUI tool for developing cross-platform-rich Internet applications on desktop computers, on hand-held devices, and on the Web.