Question

Okay, I’m very new to Java so please bear with me.

I am using Netbeans 6.8 to write a small desktop application that includes a JTree component, and my requirement is that I be able to save and load the tree structure, but that the structure allows for three items of information per tree node – The text to be displayed as the node, a unique identifier, and a file name.

Of course I would also need to be able to get all three bits of information when a node is clicked.

I have successfully saved the and loaded the tree model using getModel() and XMLDecoder/encoder, but this of course only saves the default tree model.

I have followed several tutorials on creating a custom tree model but I have found them confusing, and I have been unable to transfer what they were telling me into my own project, since of course they usually create an entire example application in one go.

Assuming that a tree model like this is even possible please could someone explain how to go about creating such a model, and most importantly, how to place the model into a JTree that already exists in the application (and how I would go about retrieving the information when a node is clicked – I can currently find the selected node and retrieve its text)

If this is not possible Id gladly hear any alternative methods that result in the same functionality.

A solution has been reached so thanks to everyone for their efforts, however the correct answer must go to Andrew for posting it first!

For those interested:
I used the Netbeans IDE to create a new Javabean object. Once I realised the difference between this and a normal object I managed to place a newly created Javabean object into a tree node. Just to make it all good, my original method of saving still works fine!

thanks for your efforts everyone.

MVK

Answer 1

The text to be displayed as the node, a unique identifier, and a file name.

Encapsualte them in a JavaBean Object and use an appropriate renderer.