Introduction

Welcome to the final lesson in the Java Short Notes series! It’s been an exciting journey through core Java fundamentals. To wrap it up, we’re stepping into the world of JavaFX, the modern way to build rich GUI (Graphical User Interface) applications in Java.

Whether you're building desktop apps, educational tools, or prototypes, JavaFX offers a powerful and flexible toolkit to bring your ideas to life.

What is JavaFX?

JavaFX is a platform for building desktop applications in Java with a modern UI. It replaces the older Swing framework and provides the following:

• A scene graph model for UI components

• CSS support for styling

• FXML (XML-based markup) for UI layouts

• 2D/3D graphics support

• Media, animations, and charts

JavaFX used to be bundled with the JDK, but now it’s a standalone library.

Setting Up JavaFX

We demonstrate two options to setup JavaFX quickly.

Option 1: Use an IDE (IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse)

1. Download JavaFX SDK:

   https://gluonhq.com/products/javafx/

2. Configure JavaFX in Your Project

   • Add the JavaFX SDK to your project libraries

   • Add VM arguments for running:

       --module-path /path/to/javafx-sdk/lib --add-modules javafx.controls,javafx.fxml
     

Option 2: Use Maven or Gradle

Maven dependency:

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.openjfx</groupId>
    <artifactId>javafx-controls</artifactId>
    <version>21</version>
</dependency>

Demonstration

Hello World Example

import javafx.application.Application;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.scene.control.Label;
import javafx.scene.layout.StackPane;
import javafx.stage.Stage;

public class HelloJavaFX extends Application {
    @Override
    public void start(Stage primaryStage) {
        Label label = new Label("Hello, JavaFX!");
        StackPane root = new StackPane(label);
        Scene scene = new Scene(root, 300, 200);

        primaryStage.setTitle("JavaFX Demo");
        primaryStage.setScene(scene);
        primaryStage.show();
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        launch(args);
    }
}

Explanation:

• Application: The entry point for JavaFX apps.

• start(): Called when the application starts.

• Stage: The main window.

• Scene: The container for all UI content.

• Label, StackPane: UI components and layout.

Handling Events in JavaFX

JavaFX uses event-driven programming, allowing developers to handle user interactions easily.

Example: Button Click Event

btn.setOnAction(event -> {
    System.out.println("Button Clicked!");
});

Next Steps to Explore

• Try using FXML and Scene Builder to separate UI from logic

• Add buttons, inputs, layouts, and events

• Create a multi-window desktop app

• Explore animations, charts, and custom components

🙏 Thank You!

That wraps up the Java Short Notes series! 🎉

From data types to threads, from memory management to JavaFX, we’ve covered the foundation you need to confidently continue your Java journey. Keep experimenting, keep building, and never stop learning!

🧭 The Java universe is vast. Dive deeper. Create boldly.