A user interface not only determines the ease of use of a
system, its appearance, and and how well it functions,
but will also play a part in determining the success or
failure of the application.
A graphical user interface, like Windows or the Apple
operating system, provides an effective way of facilitating
user interaction with an application. However, these user
interfaces are limited to the platforms on which they were
created (Windows, Unix, Apple, or OS/390).
As a cross-platform programming language, Java can be
used to create user interfaces for any platform that
supports a Java Runtime Environment (JRE). This makes
it possible to put a flexible windows-type user interface
on a legacy application.
Java Applets, utilizing Swing components, provide an ideal
method for designing user interfaces with all the
graphical user interface components of traditional Windows
and Apple systems without being bound to a specific
platform. This type of user interface is:
- object oriented and easily extended
- platform independent
- easily installed
- can be deployed over the network
- presents itself uniformly on any platform
The Java Applet can:
- change the user interface in response to keyboard
input, menu selections, or mouse clicks
- perform drag and drop operations from/to various Swing
components to provide a more user friendly environment
- respond exclusively to keyboard input if the application
requires large volume, heads down, input
- provide timer services and progress meters to indicate both
visual and sound responses to events
- multi-task user inputs, database queries, and
activities in multiple windows
- dynamically build tree structures, lists, and
tables interactively with the user
- allow the user to customize the user interface with
respect to size, colors, and fonts
- access user PC files, execute programs on the client PC,
access the PC's clip board, and provides messaging services
between users
These features, and many other considerations, make designing
and developing a user interface with Java an easy choice.
If you would like more detailed information about TAGG
Associates and the services it provides please contact
George White at: