Question

I want to implement a java awt/swing application but i am new to awt/swing. I need to draw a grid like panel. Than drag and drop some objects on it. Later than objects can be clickable and resizable. My application should look like this:

I am able to draw object with :

public void paint(Graphics g){}

but its too far away from what i want to do.

How can i implement this kind of application? What should i read and know to do this?

Answer 1

First, I’d be sure to follow the Swing tutorials:

• http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/uiswing/components/
• http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/uiswing/

Then, I’d revisit your approach a little: I would use Swing components.

• Start with a JPanel on a JFrame.
• Add a JComponent to the panel for your grid. Override the paintComponent method there to draw your grid.
• Add other JComponents on top of that for your objects. Again, override the paintComponent method for those to draw the appearance of your objects.
• You can then use the built-in functionalities provided by JComponent to allow for clicking, resizing, etc. With each event, you can then redraw the component to account for any changes you need to display in the next call to paintComponent – calling repaint if necessary to force a redraw.