Introduction to the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Introduction to the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

1. The GUI is the interaction channel between the user and the system. Can be a standalone application through Java Swing, through a web browser, or through a mobile application.

   • The key factor of the GUI is usability. It should be intuitive, clear, and friendly. This is so that the user has the best experience when using your application and will want to continue using it.

2. The three main categories of the GUI are graphical elements, containers, and layouts.

   • Containers: In charge of grouping
     • Frame: The example in the video shows the basic actions of the frame are minimize, maximize, close, and move. The window has all the elements of the program in it. Some methods in the frame class are setSize, setVisible, setDefaultCloseOperation(EXIT_ON_CLOSE)
     • Panels: Used to contain and divide GUI elements within the Frame. Groups GUI elements based on purpose, allows user to access them more easily.
   • Layouts: works with the containers to organize the group. Every container needs a layout. setLayout(...);
     • Border Layout: separates the elements into North, South, East, West, and center regions. setLayout(new BorderLayout()); add(GUI component, BorderLayout.North);
     • Grid Layout. Separates the elements into a user specified number of rows and columns (matrix). setLayout(new GridLayout(rows, columns)); add(GUI component); note that the user does not specify where the element is placed, because the element is added in order of first to last in the matrix.
   • Graphical elements are placed within the layout, which is within the container. They are what the user of the application sees when using said application.