macOS Need Java code Clarification

[larswik]

You know, I looked at AppleScript at first but decided that it wasn't what I needed. But then again I didn't know that you could build a GUI with Xcodes Interface builder

I will have to continue with Java none the less since I am already invested in the program, unless someone say that I can't use it for what I need it to do. But if AppleScript can do it I'm sure Java can too.

Thanks.

-Lars

 

[GavinT]

I didn't know that you could build a GUI with Xcodes Interface builder

The clue is in the name.... Interface Builder is used to make Graphical User Interfaces (aka GUI).

Having said that, I would recommend that you stick with Java for now. You need to understand basic programming concepts, and how to write programs before you should even think about writing a GUI (even if there are GUI builder tools out there to simplify things for you).

As well as using this book, I would suggest you also read through some other online materials (some of the early chapters on Sun's Java website Java Tutorial).

EDIT: Also, I would suggest you also invest in a 'generic' programming book (one that is language neutral).

 

[larswik]

On that note. Since I could use Xcode interface builder for AppleScript. can I also use it to build an interface for Java, or must I do it through the Swing Classes?

-Lars

 

[GavinT]

On that note. Since I could use Xcode interface builder for AppleScript. can I also use it to build an interface for Java, or must I do it through the Swing Classes?

-Lars

Not as far as I know. I believe Interface Builder is for building OS X specific interfaces.

To do GUI via Java coding, you have to code manually in XCode (calling the Swing, AWT of SWT APIs)..... or you could use something like Eclipse (another IDE, which runs on OS X as well as other platforms). Eclipse has a Visual Designer component for doing GUI's.
Now the next issue is, is that Java is cross platform. They are some subtle differences between Java GUIs on OS X and those on running on Windows, Linux etc. Theres a whole bunch of documentation on Apple's own Apple Developer Connection website, about making Java cross-platform but also making more 'OS X' friendly versions as well.


................ but this is thinking way ahead. Sort out the basic programming skills before thinking about this.

 

[larswik]

I downloaded both Eclipse and Netbeans when I first got started working in Java with everyones help. But I wanted something simple so I decided on jEdit and the terminal.

It's good to know that Eclipse has an interface builder so when I get good enough I can switch to that and it can assist me.

Thanks for the insight.

-Lars