Linked by Andy Roberts on Thu 19th May 2005 19:33 UTC
Java Swing comes with "pluggable look-and-feel technology", which essentially boils down to the fact that interfaces can be "skinned" (although this is simplifying a tad) and is therefore, extremely flexible. By default, Java ships with a cross-platform look-and-feel (LAF), which means your apps can look consistent across all platforms, or LAFs that mimic the look of a specific platform, say Windows, for example. However, one of the chief complaints of Java desktop applications is its "look". It basically stems from two issues:
Permalink for comment
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Recent Original Stories
Recent Comments
Headlines
Random Comments
Random Stories
Random OS Link
Some points:
- You should bring up the Windows L&F it's greatly improved.
Esp. compared to that produced by .Net.
- Come on 8pt. Antialiased. You must have a $2000 monitor.
This cheap piece of junk from Gateway, you couldn't tell.
The Metal and Ocean look and feel are the BEST THING OUT THERE for anyone wearing glasses, or over 35. Notice the BOLD Menu items? Notice the larger Font Sizes... Easier on the eyes and less eye strain counts.
I include a Menu item so the user can pick their look and feel. I default to Windows, users eventually switch to METAL.
Different designers have different goals, I let the user decide.
You're also not addressing the Swing advantage of Resizability. The ability to shrink an app to a small corner of the screen and still be usable. Great for utility programs.
My rule of thumb: The SMALLER and THINNER the fonts the worse the L&F experience.