Graphical User Interface

Graphical User Interface

1. The interaction channel between the user and the program

2. can be:

   • standalone in computer (1 client)
   • web (runs on browser)
   • mobile (runs on cellphone)

3. Gestalt Principles

   • Intuitive
   • clear
   • friendly

4. Containers

   • Frame
     • main "container" for graphical elements of app/program
     • can minimize, maximize, close, and move
     • methods using JFrame
       • setSize(width, height), setVisible(boolean), setResizable(boolean), setDefaultCloseOperation(EXIT_ON_CLOSE), add(GUI element)
   • Panels
     • contain/divide GUI elements in the Frame
     • group GUI elements by purpose

5. Layouts

   • gives order to graphical elements inside containers
   • 2 distributors
     • BorderLayout (similar to compass)
       • up to five elements: north, south, east, west, and central
     • GridLayout (like a matrix)
       • rows and columns

6. Interaction

   • Inactive Panels
   • Active Panels

7. Messages

   • error, warning, and info
   • can collect input from user