Java developers have several options for creating GUI applications, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this comparison, we take a look at the most popular Java GUI frameworks, including Java Swing, JavaFX, SWT, and AWT. We explore the pros and cons of each framework and provide insight into which framework may be the best fit for specific project requirements.
| Framework | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Java Swing | Rich set of components for creating complex UIs. Offers support for various table models, including AbstractTableModel and DefaultTableModel. Provides built-in support for sorting and filtering of table data. | Requires manual coding to design UI. May not offer the most modern design elements and graphics effects. Performance can be slower than more modern GUI frameworks. |
| JavaFX | Provides a modern and flexible GUI framework. Offers built-in support for pagination and column resizing. Provides built-in support for sorting, filtering, and editing of table data. | Steep learning curve as it requires a good understanding of Java programming and JavaFX APIs. Performance can be slower than Java Swing. Oracle has announced that it will no longer support JavaFX, though it is still being maintained by the community. |
| SWT | Provides a lightweight and fast GUI framework. Offers built-in support for sorting, filtering, and editing of table data. Provides built-in support for column resizing and reordering. | Not cross-platform, as it relies on native platform widgets. Limited customization options compared to Java Swing and JavaFX. Requires more low-level programming compared to Java Swing and JavaFX. |
| AWT | Simple and easy to use. | Limited support for creating complex UIs compared to other frameworks. UI design requires manual coding. Not actively developed or maintained. |