Unit 6: GUI Development

Unit Overview

This unit uses a complete example to show you how to develop a Calculator with a command mode user interface (UI) and a graphical user interface (GUI). This unit will teach you how to use Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) components, as well as the differences between AWT and Swing in a GUI development.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. describe the constituents of the AWT model and its framework;
2. incrementally develop an application with a user interface;
3. describe the components of Swing.

Learning Activities

1. Read the Learning Notes and follow the links to read the recommended online materials.
2. Read the Review Question and use the discussion board of this course to
   1. answer the review question;
   2. share any useful information about the supplemental reading materials that you have read;
   3. comment on another student’s response to the review question;
   4. answer any questions posed to you.
3. Complete the Unit Exercises and share the experience with your peers on the discussion board. [Note: Do not post assignment-relevant pseudocodes or source codes at any time; however, you can post your thoughts, ideas, and problem-solving steps.]

Learning Notes

Read the following recommended online materials:

1. Poo, D., Kiong, D., & Ashok, S. (2008). Object-Oriented Programming and Java (2nd ed.). London: Springer-Verlag.
   1. Read Chapter 4: Implementation in Java (pp. 39–49).
   2. Read Chapter 13: Graphical Interfaces and Windows (pp. 201–236).
2. The Java Tutorials. (2020). Trail: Creating a GUI With JFC/Swing. Redwood Shores, CA: Oracle Corporation.