Implementation

What we used

• Rogue Wave JFactory
• JRad FolderTabPanel class
• Visual Cafe for Trees and MultiList

Lessons

• Use a good prototyping tool, and stick with it

  JFactory, not a good tool.

  • Only supports simplest Java Components
  • Only supports it's own Layout Manager
  • Components designed in JFactory's visual editor don't look the same when run on the development machine, not to mention different platforms.
  • Very expensive, no student pricing.

  
  

  Microsoft's Development Studio J++

  • Supports custom components like tabs and trees in addition to standard Java Components
  • Cross Platform.
  • Easier to use than JFactory
  • Cannot add components into tab panels.
  • Cannot create panels.
  • Microsoft's Layout Manager works better with applets than applications.
  • Inexpensive, $50 student pricing.

  
  

  Symantec Visual Cafe

  • Supports custom components.
  • Cross Platform.
  • Can add text/components to trees and tab panels.
  • Can create panels in visual editor.
  • Supports no Layout Manager, or standard Java Layout Mangers. Works fine with applications.
  • More expensive, $100 student pricing, $500 for professional version (with Database server).

• HP JVM buggy

  • Order inserting into layout manager matters, combo boxes that overlap disappear.
  • Repaint didn't work in Tab Folders.
  • Best to develope on Win95/Solaris and then port to other systems.