Herb Schildt

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since Oct 01, 2003
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Recent posts by Herb Schildt

Congratulations to all the winners.

It's been great to be here.

All the best,

Herb
8 years ago
Hi Ken,

In the beginning of my book I give a brief history of Java's GUIs, so as to put JavaFX into its historical perspective. I believe that it is helpful when learning a new technology that one understands how it relates to what has come before. Thus, I include a history for my readers. This brief history does NOT imply that JavaFX is built on the AWT and/or Swing. Of course, the past always influences the future, and perhaps that is what you were getting at.

As I say in the book, JavaFX is "Java's next-generation GUI framework." Also, as I say in the preface to the book, "prior experience with other Java GUIs is not required." Whether you know Swing or not, you can learn JavaFX.

In your question, you suggest that JavaFX "is far more complicated than Swing." I disagree. Having written extensively about both Swing and JavaFX, I find both to be powerful GUI frameworks. However, in my view, JavaFX is easier to learn and to work with. This should not be surprising because the art and science of programming continue to evolve and advance. As I have said in previous posts, in my view, JavaFX is the future. That is why I wrote a book about it.
8 years ago
Hi Brian,

I don't have experience with the type of project you describe. You might be able to find the answer by looking at classes such as JavaFX.scene.shape.Shape3D. You will also want to look at JavaFX's support for transforms (including 3-D transforms). For example, you can rotate a 3-D object. You might also find chapters 6 and 7 of my book helpful. Chapter 6 covers effects and transforms and Chapter 7 covers animation, which you might also find useful.
8 years ago
Hi Rob,

I understand your point, but I stand by what I said. For today's highly graphical computing environment, I see GUI programming as a fundamental skill. Something that is part and parcel of being a programmer. Thus, I think that all programmers need at least passing knowledge of the essentials of GUI programming. For Java, that means Swing and JavaFX.
8 years ago
Hi Campbell,

In my view, to be a professional Java programmer, it is important to know both Swing and JavaFX. There are, obviously, many lines of Swing code in use. So knowledge of Swing is currently quite helpful. But, to me, JavaFX points to the future.

BTW: For the above reasons, I expect to be writing about both Swing and JavaFX for a long while.
8 years ago
Hi Jack,

In my view, knowing one GUI can make it easier to learn another because you have already gained some experience in writing GUI-based code. Thus, you will already understand some general concepts. However, when learning a new GUI, it is important that you don't jump to conclusions or make assumptions about how it works based on your previous GUI. As a general rule, the specifics will differ.

For my JavaFX book, no prior experience with a Java GUI is required. In the preface, I do tell readers that if they already know another Java GUI, they may be able to advance through the book more quickly, but that a careful reading is still advised.

Hope this helps.
8 years ago
Hi Will,

As I mentioned in another thread, here are some reasons that I really like JavaFX.

I truly appreciate its streamlined design, its use of the stage and scene metaphor, and its ability to easily incorporate that "visual sparkle" that today's computing environment demands. Also, its support for 3-D graphics is incredibly easy to use. You can also animate 3-D objects with ease. I also like the clarity of the threading and event handling models. Finally, as I see it, JavaFX represents the future. I think it's that important.
8 years ago
Hi Shantha,

JavaFX is Java's modern GUI framework. It offers a streamlined, yet powerful way to create graphical user interfaces. Its central metaphor is that of a stage and scene. Loosely speaking, a stage defines a space and a scene defines what goes in that space. Or, put another way, a stage can be thought of as a container for scenes, and a scene can be thought of as a container for items that comprise the scene.

As you are probably aware, the modern world demands dynamic, visually engaging interfaces. JavaFX makes it easy to add that "visual sparkle" to your applications. This can be achieved, for example, through the use of effects, transforms, and animation. In my view, JavaFX's support for animation – especially its ability to animate 3-D objects – is one of its most impressive features.

One last point: Having used several different GUIs in my programming career, I find JavaFX to be extraordinarily clear, consistent, and easy to use.
8 years ago
Hi Tom,

It's nice to hear from a reader of one of my books. Thanks!

As to your question, you raise an interesting, thought-provoking one. And, it is one for which I can only offer an opinion. In my view, both the reactive and imperative paradigms are important because both are needed. That is, each solves a different type of problem. I expect that both will coexist.
8 years ago
Hi Claude,

It's always great to hear from someone who used one of my books. Thanks

As to your question: In my opinion, JavaFX represents a major step forward in Java GUI frameworks. I truly appreciate its streamlined design, its use of the stage and scene metaphor, and its ability to easily incorporate that "visual sparkle" that today's computing environment demands. Also, its support for 3-D graphics is incredibly easy to use. You can also animate 3-D objects with ease. Finally, as I see it, JavaFX represents the future. I think it's that important.
8 years ago
Hello Carlos and Campbell.

I will leave any and all such "definitive pronouncements" to Oracle.

As the JavaFX documentation points out, JavaFX enables you to create rich client applications.
8 years ago
Hi Brian,

Thanks for using my Java beginners book. Sounds like a great decision to become a developer.
8 years ago
Hi Fernando,

My book "Introducing JavaFX 8 Programming" provides a fast-paced introduction to JavaFX. As such, it was designed for both beginners and experienced pros. If you already know a GUI, such as Swing, you may be able to advance through the book more quickly, but prior GUI experience is not required. Of course, a basic working knowledge of the Java language is needed.
8 years ago
Hi all!

It's great to be here at the ranch.

It's also great to be able to talk about my new book on JavaFX. In my view, JavaFX is one of Java's most exciting new technologies. It was a true joy to write about.
8 years ago
Congratulations to all the winners!

To all: Thanks for having me. Its always great to be at JavaRanch!
16 years ago