With Java almost completely responsible for the appearance of
applications, the developers of Swing have been able to create a diverse
set of controls. So many, in fact, that they have divided them into several
sets (regrettably referred to as Swing Sets), each known as a "pluggable
look and feel." As of this writing, there's a PL&F that mimics a Windows
95 or NT environment; sets of controls to give the appearance of Mac and
Unix are in testing. Since Swing allows for changing a PL&F with minimal
effort, it'll be no trouble at all to deliver what appear to be natively written
applications to multiple operating systems. This could save some
desperate desktop-support guy from having to explain to a Mac user the
mysterious minimize button.
In case you're wondering: No, you cannot use a Mac appearance on a PC or
vice-versa. Technically, this is no problem; legally, however ...
The other option is to use the Java
L&F. It includes all the favorites - combo boxes, menus, radio buttons - plus a few new features that could prove to be pretty useful. All
but the most bereft user should be able to negotiate the controls with no
problem. After the interface is designed - once - you're good to go on
any platform.
Well, almost good to go. Though Swing addresses some of Java's stability
issues, the process of drawing windows and controls takes a lot of
processing power. Performance on anything under 133Mhz is not good.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to put on some Brian Setzer and perfect
my swing out.
