JGoodies Forms
Version 1.2 RC
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This is the release candidate for the JGoodies Forms 1.2.0.
It is binary incompatible with previous versions of the Forms;
however the API changes won't affect typical application code.
Version 1.2 is visually compatible with previous versions.
Layouts specified with 1.0.7 or 1.1 are the same in 1.2.
The Forms 1.2 offer syntax extensions, layout variables,
and rarely used code has been removed.
CHANGES THAT AFFECT THE COMPATIBILITY
o Removed the deprecated FormFactory#createColumnLayout methods.
o Added #encode() to the Size interface.
NEW FEATURES
o New syntax for encoded column and row specification:
- layout variables, see the LayoutMap class comment for details.
- bounded sizes
[<constant size>,<logical size>] // lower bound
[<logical size>,<constant size>] // upper bound
[<constant>,<logical>,<constant>] // lower and upper bound
for example [30dlu, pref], [pref, 30dlu], [10dlu, pref, 30dlu]
- multiplier "5*(p, 3dlu), p"
- prototype strings "p, '123-456-789', p"
- accepts string encodings with whitespace before a comma,
for example "pref , pref"
o Sizes#setDefaultUnit(Unit) allows to set the unit that is used
for constant sizes without explicit unit, e.g. "21".
As of the Forms 1.2 the default is still ConstantSize.PIXEL.
Sizes.setDefaultUnit(null) sets it to Dialog Units (DLU).
o Borders#DLU21_BORDER, Sizes#DLUX21, Sizes#DLUY21.
o ColumnSpec#createGap(ConstantSize), RowSpec#createGap(ConstantSize).
o Added DefaultFormBuilder#setDefaultRowSpec.
o DefaultComponentFactory#setTextAndMnemonic is public.
o ColumnSpec#encode, RowSpec#encode, and Size#encode return
a parseable encoded string specification.
o ButtonBarBuilder2. It builds betters button bars
and has a simpler API than the ButtonBarBuilder.
o FormLayout can honor or ignore the component visibility. Added
FormLayout#setHonorsVisibility(boolean) for the container level and
FormLayout#setHonorsVisibility(Component, Boolean) for a
component-specific setting that overrides the container default.
o ButtonStackBuilder(FormLayout, JPanel)
LAYOUT VARIABLES
Layout variables are intended to improve the layout consistency
in GUIs with many views. And they can improve the readability.
Variables are used in the encoded column and row specifications.
They start with the '$' character, for example you can write:
new FormLayout("pref, $lcgap, pref, $rgap, pref",
"p, $lgap, p, $myGap1, p, ${my gap}")
where $lcgap, $rgap, $lgap are default variables, and $myGap1
and ${my gap} are custom variables.
LayoutMaps build a chain; each LayoutMap has an optional parent map.
The root is defined by LayoutMap#getRoot(). Application-wide variables
should be defined in the root LayoutMap. If you want to override
application-wide variables locally, obtain a LayoutMap using
new LayoutMap(), configure it, and provide it as argument to the
FormLayout, ColumnSpec, and RowSpec constructors/factory methods.
BUGS FIXED
o DefaultUnitConverter ignores changes of the default dialog font
when computing the global dialog base units.
o BoundedSize constructor accepts null lower and upper bound.
o Borders#createEmptyBorder accepts null values.
o Parser accepts column specs without commas.
OTHER CHANGES
o Borders#createEmptyBorder returns a Border that benefits
from the optimization in JComponent#getInsets(Insets).
o Added tests for the new syntax.
o Updated download address.
ROADMAP
Forms 2.0
o API clarification and API extensions.
o Bug fixing - even if the fix affects the layout.
o Make DLU a general unit.
o Change the default unit conversion algorithm.
Future version
o Extend the tutorial.
o Move to Java 5.
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Find below the change history for older releases.
JGoodies Forms
Version 1.1.0
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This update fixes minor bugs and comes with a few API changes.
It is binary incompatible with previous versions of the Forms,
however the API changes won't affect typical application code.
This version is primarily intended to deliver the API changes
and tiny improvements that have been made since version 1.0.7.
I've decided to make smaller steps, and to release updates more
frequently. On the other hand, some changes planned for 1.1
have been deferred to future versions.
CHANGES THAT AFFECT THE COMPATIBILITY
o Removed deprecated builder constructors:
AbstractFormBuilder(Container, FormLayout)
PanelBuilder(JPanel, FormLayout)
I15dPanelBuilder(JPanel, FormLayout, ResourceBundle)
DefaultFormBuilder(JPanel, FormLayout)
DefaultFormBuilder(JPanel, FormLayout, ResourceBundle)
NEW FEATURES
o Added PanelBuilder#setBackground and #setOpaque.
o Added AbstractI15dPanelBuilder to reduce the effort required
to build internationalized builders for ResourceMaps.
o Added a debug feature for broken localizations,
see the class comment in AbstractI15dPanelBuilder.
o Added CellConstraints#rc, #rcw, #rchw
o Added the constructor FormLayout(ColumnSpec[])
o DefaultComponentFactory is non-final.
o BoundedSize is public, as well as its sole constructor.
o Added BoundedSize#getBasis, #getLowerBound, #getUpperBound.
o Added ConstantSize#getValue, #getUnit.
o Public ConstantSize(double, Unit) and ConstantSize(int, Unit).
o FormLayout.Measure is public.
BUGS FIXED
o Issue 38: Layout ignores default size if it is bounded
o Issue 46: DLU size not updated on look&feel changes
o Issue 54: Utilities#computeIsLafAqua uses name not id
o Added a missing 'I' in I15dPanelBuilder#add15dTitle(String, String)
OTHER CHANGES
o ANT build creates a Maven bundle.
o Improved DefaultComponentFactory#createSeparator(JLabel) docs.
o Slightly improved the DefaultFormBuilder tutorial examples.
o Source code improvements.
o Marked the FormFactory#createColumnLayout methods as deprecated.
These will be removed from version 1.2.
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JGoodies Forms
Version 1.0.7
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This maintenance release fixes a bug in Turkish environments.
The fix and other changes do not affect the layout. Hence, this
version is binary and visually compatible with previous versions.
BUGS FIXED
o Issue 37: String encodings parser fails in Turkish locale.
DISTRIBUTION CHANGES
The sources now ship in the directory structure used by the CVS.
This makes it easier to build the distribution using ANT.
If you want to attach the library sources in an IDE,
point to folder 'src/core'.
OTHER CHANGES
o Issue 36: Some DefaultFormBuilder methods lack return value.
o Source style improvements.
o The FAQ is now online.
o Added references to the Explicit Table Builder, Matisse, Packer.
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.6
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This maintenance release is primarily a documentation update.
It also contains minor bug fixes that do not affect the layout.
Hence, this version is binary and visually compatible with
the previous version.
NEW FEATURES
o Added an empty FormLayout constructor.
o PanelBuilder#getComponentFactory is public.
o DefaultFormFactory#createSeparator(JLabel) is public.
BUGS FIXED
o BoundedSize#toString wrong if lower and upper bound exist.
o Issue 19: DefaultFormBuilders *I15d methods don't use setLabelFor.
o Issue 33: DefaultComponentFactory may set wrong mnemonic index.
OTHER CHANGES
o Docs: Removed several JavaDoc <code> tags to improve readability.
o Docs: Added examples to FormLayout constructors.
o Docs: Corrected JavaDoc @throws texts in ColumnSpec and RowSpec.
o Docs: Corrected and extended JavaDocs regarding the mnemonic marker
in ComponentFactory, DefaultComponentFactory, PanelBuilder.
o Docs: Refreshed the list of visual builder tools.
o Docs: Added a bunch of TODOs for future versions.
o Dist: Fixed broken package information in the JAR manifest.
o Build:Set 'build.compile.source' and 'build.compile.target' to '1.4'
in the default.properties; build.xml honors the source setting.
o Tut.: Main methods use the new JGoodies Looks 1.3 package names.
o Test: Added tests for the DefaultComponentFactory.
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.5
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This maintenance release fixes bugs, adds features, and brings
minor improvements for the code, documentation and tutorial.
NEW FEATURES
o Added FormLayout#setColumnSpec(int, ColumnSpec)
o Added FormLayout#setRowSpec(int, ColumnSpec)
BUGS FIXED
o Titled separator on Aqua not aligned along the label's font baseline.
o Button minimum width too wide on MacLayoutStyle.
o Related gap too narrow in MacLayoutStyle.
o DefaultFormBuilder ignores the current row span set by #setRowSpan.
o AbstractFormBuilder#createLeftAdjustedConstraints(int)
ignores the current row span.
o DefaultComponentFactory can register L&fChangeHandler multiple times.
OTHER CHANGES
o Code: Builders avoid the creation of obsolete FlowLayout instances.
o Code: Overhauled builder constructors; marked some as deprecated.
o Code: Changed separators created by the DefaultComponentFactory
to be opaque.
o Code: Renamed DefaultUnitConverter#LAFChangeHandler to
LookAndFeelChangeHandler.
o Code: Removed unused code in class BoundedSize.
o Code: Minor code cleanup: removed unused else.
o Tut.: Added pitfall example for vertically non-filled component.
o Tut.: Added pitfall example for the ever-growing text area.
o Docs: Improved FormDebugPanel's constructor JavaDocs.
o Docs: Added overview information to the JavaDocs.
o Docs: Refreshed links to visual builders that support the FormLayout.
o Docs: Refreshed some FAQ items.
o Docs: Added FAQ #2.6: How to remove a component from the layout?
o Docs: Added FAQ #3.6: Why do some text areas grow and never shrink?
o Docs: Added a reference to the SWT port by the SwtForms project.
o Docs: Added a reference to Gerald Rosenberg's JFormComposer.
o Docs: Clarified the semantics and use case for CellConstraint insets.
o Docs: Indicated that FormFactory factory methods may be removed.
o Dist: Corrected implementation title and vendor in the JAR manifest.
o Dist: Added project name tag to the ANT build file.
o Dist: Overhauled the README.html.
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.4
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This maintenance release fixes bugs, comes with a simpler API,
and provides more JavaDoc examples for frequently used methods.
API INCOMPATIBILITIES
o ColumnSpec and RowSpec are now immutable. This won't affect
the typical Forms usage, but may affect visual builder tools.
o Removed method ButtonStackBuilder#addGriddedNarrow(JComponent)
VISUAL INCOMPATIBILITIES
o In rare cases the container size may be smaller than before.
Bug #4 has been fixed (see below). In 1.0.4 the container
will be expanded only if components span cols/rows that can grow.
In 1.0.3 the container could be expanded if *any* col/row grows.
So some wrong 1.0.3 container expansions won't happen in 1.0.4.
NEW FEATURES
o Added the CellConstraints#xyw method set.
o Added FormLayoutUtils to the Extras.
BUGS FIXED
o DefaultUnitConverter#setDefaultDialogFont throws NPE.
o DefaultUnitConverter#setAverageCharacterWidthTestString throws NPE.
o Invalid sample code in PanelBuilder JavaDocs.
o (Bug #4) In some cases components that span multiple columns/rows
can expand the container size, although none of the spanned
columns/rows are allowed to grow.
OTHER CHANGES
o Extended and corrected JavaDoc class comments.
o Added examples to the JavaDocs of frequently used methods.
o Refreshed README and FAQ
o Refreshed whitepaper to demonstrate CellConstraints#xyw.
o Added two HTML pages: Visual Builders and References.
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.3
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This maintenance release contains new core classes, adds methods,
and comes with improved JavaDocs and an extended tutorial and FAQ.
The DefaultFormBuilder has been moved from the extras to the core.
Also, the support for the Mac OS X has been improved significantly:
the DefaultComponentFactory has been adjusted for the Aqua look&feel,
the new MacLayoutStyle describes the Mac and Aqua styles guide lines,
and the ButtonBarBuilder and ButtonBarFactory now honor a button order.
VISUAL INCOMPATIBILITIES
On the Mac OS X platform Forms 1.0.3 changes the button order;
other platforms are not affected. In most cases this will improve
the user experience of your applications. It is recommended to
check your ButtonBarBuilder invocation to use a fixed left to right
order where necessary.
ButtonBarBuilder methods that create sequences of buttons now honor
the LayoutStyle's button order. On Mac OS X this is right to left.
Builder methods that add individual buttons are not affected.
See the ButtonOrderExample in the tutorial for details on how to
use or ignore the LayoutStyle's button order.
API INCOMPATIBILITIES
o Removed deprecated methods from the ButtonBarBuilder class:
#addGriddedNarrow(JButton)
#addGriddedNarrowButtons(JButton[])
#addGriddedGrowingNarrow(JComponent)
NEW FEATURES
o Moved DefaultFormBuilder and I15dPanelBuilder to the core.
o FormLayout is serializable.
o AbstractFormBuilder#appendLabelComponentGapColumn()
o AbstractFormBuilder#appendParagraphGapRow()
o AbstractFormBuilder#setComponentFactory(...) now public
o I15dPanelBuilder#addI15dLabel(String, CellConstraints,
Component, CellConstraints)
o LayoutStyle#getTabbedDialogMarginX()
o LayoutStyle#getTabbedDialogMarginY()
o LayoutStyle#getButtonBarPad()
o LayoutStyle#isLeftToRightButtonOrder()
o FormFactory#LABEL_COMPONENT_COLSPEC
o MacLayoutStyle
o AbstractFormBuilder#createLeftAdjustedConstraints(int)
o ColumnSpec#decodeSpecs(String encodedColumnSpecs) (final)
o RowSpec#decodeSpecs(String encodedRowSpecs) (final)
o FormSpec.DefaultAlignment now visible (final)
o Borders.EmptyBorder provides methods for the 4 sizes.
BUGS FIXED
o PanelBuilder fails to build right-to-left if column span > 1.
o DefaultFormBuilder fails to build right-to-left if column span > 1.
o Deserialization fails in 1.0.3 preview.
KNOWN ISSUES
o In some cases components that span multiple columns/rows
can expand the container size, although none of the spanned
columns/rows are allowed to grow. See the FAQ for details.
OTHER CHANGES
o Code: Added safety check for invalid constraints in PanelBuilder
#add(JLabel, CellConstraints, Component, CellConstraints)
#add(String, CellConstraints, Component, CellConstraints)
o Code: DefaultComponentFactory#setTextAndMnemonic(JLabel) now private
o Code: DefaultUnitConverter refers indirectly to ToolKit#getFontMetrics
o Code: Marked ButtonStackBuilder#addGriddedNarrow as deprecated
o JavaDocs: Extended and corrected
o JavaDocs: Clarified some semantics
o Docs: Fixed spelling and grammar errors
o Docs: Extended and reorganized the FAQ
o Tutorial: Improved alignment texts in custom row and custom areas example
o Tutorial: Added ButtonOrderExample
o Tutorial: Added ComponentOrientationExample
o Tutorial: Added OrientationUtils to ComponentOrientationExample
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.2
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This release is a maintenance update that fixes bugs, comes with
a new example and a slightly improved and extended documentation.
DISTRIBUTION CHANGES
o Added a list of FAQ.
o Added JavaDoc version tags to all class comments.
NEW FEATURES
o DefaultUnitConverter provides bound Bean properties for the
default dialog font and the average character width test string.
BUGS FIXED
o Fixed broken button font lookup in DefaultUnitConverter
that failed to find a font for GTKLookAndFeel, and more
generally, SynthLookAndFeel subclasses.
o Fixed #minimumLayoutSize that measured components that span
multiple columns/rows with the preferredSize, now the minimumsize.
o Patched the container expansion forced by components that span
multiple columns/rows for the case that no column or row can grow.
This expansion shall be performed if and only if the component spans
an area that can grow. The old behavior performed this action ALWAYS;
the patch check whether A column/row can grow;
the upcoming fix will check the growing behavior of the spanned area.
This problem is reflected by the FormLayout unit tests, where currently
one out of three tests fails, see FormLayoutTests.test*ExtraExpansion*
OTHER CHANGES
o Main: Removed the final marker from FormDebugPanel;
see the class comment for details
o Main: Removed FormDebugPanel features that are available
in the FormDebugUtils
o Main: Extended JavaDoc for the DefaultUnitConverter
o Main: Extended JavaDoc for the DefaultFormBuilder
o Main: Border.BUTTON_BAR_GAP_BORDER uses dlu only.
o Main: Faster conversion of sizes with a 0 value.
o Tutorial: Added example for custom areas with DefautFormBuilder
o Tutorial: Changed some text field widths from 'default' to 'min'
o Tutorial: Corrected frame titles
o Tests: Added tests for components that span multiple columns
o Tests: Specialized some exceptions in catch clauses
o Docs: Improved grouping diagrams
o Docs: Fixed invalid link to a tutorial pdf
o All code: Documented empty blocks.
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JGoodies Forms, Version 1.0.1
Release Notes
INTRODUCTION
This release is primarily a documentation and distribution update;
it fixes a bug (with maximum sizes) and contains no API changes.
DISTRIBUTION CHANGES
o Added tips & tricks
o Added a tutorial
o Added a programmer's reference
o Library sources ship as a single ZIP file
BUGS FIXED
o Main: Fixed broken maximum sizes that had the same effect as minimum
o Main: Fixed FormFactory.BUTTON_COLSPEC to use a lower, not upper bound
o Tutorial: Corrected FormDebugExample.main
OTHER CHANGES
o Main: Added sanity checks for invalid CellConstraints alignments
o Main: Minor code cleanup: removed obsolete casts and semicolons
o Main: Minor improvement: parameter names made more consistent
o Main: Library compiled against 1.3 but with Sun's javac 1.4.2
o Main: FormFactory.GROWING_BUTTON_COLSPEC honors LayoutStyle
o Main: All FormFactory specs are now unmodifyable
o Tutorial: Added Quick Start example
o Tutorial: Added example for component sizes
o Tutorial: Added example for custom rows and DefaultFormBuilder
o Test: Added tests for invalid CellConstraints alignments
o Test: Added tests for bounded sizes
o Docs: Removed comparison with HIGLayout from the whitepaper
o Docs: Some throws clauses added to the JavaDocs
o Build: process reflects the distribution changes
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1.0 (July-18-2003)
o Compiled with Sun javac 1.3.1_08
o Distribution changed:
+ forms.pdf renamed to whitepaper.pdf
+ demo removed
+ build overhauled
+ readme.txt simplified
1.0rc (June-20-2003)
o Code is now available under the BSD license
o Fixed bug in DefaultFormBuilder.appendI15dTitle
o Corrected JavaDoc for ButtonStackBuilder
o Improved whitepaper
o Packaging reflects the new license
o Library jar is unobfuscated
o Library jar is unsigned
