Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

1. "The main interaction channel between the user and the system"

   • The view, or menu page when you first open an app
     • Allows the user to interact with application and usually has other information displayed
     • View <--- >Controller <--> Model
       • Model = context Controller = Functional Requirements

2. Characteristics of a GUI

   • 3 common forms
     • 1.Standalone(Java Swing) 2. Web browser (HTML) 3. Mobile App
   • Key Factor: Usability
     • 1. Intuitive 2. Clear 3. User Friendly (attractive to use)
   • Common parts of a GUI
     • Buttons Labels Images Text Files Icons
       • Some allow for interaction, while others may not

3. Containers: Frames and Panels

   • Frame is main container for all graphical elements
     • Minimize Move Exit Maximize
     • JFrame holds different methods within the frame
       • -Set frame's width/height -Sets user's ability to change window size -Tells app to delete data when app is closed -Add a GUI component to the Frame
   • Panels contain and divide GUI elements within the frame
     • seperated based on purpose in order to make the system more user friendly
   • Containers need layouts to organize its elements
     • Border Layout --> Compass
       • Specify by Center, North, South, East, and West
       • setLayout(newBorderLayout);
     • Grid Layout --> matrix
       • setLayout(newGridLayout(Rows,Columns));

4. Messages Management

   • JOptionPane
     • 3 Types of Messages: Warning, Information, Error
     • Can request data input from user