The Use of Multiple JFrames: Good or Bad Practice?

Diverse interface development

Unleashing the power of JTabbedPane & JSplitPane

JTabbedPane brilliantly facilitates the construction of tabbed interfaces, grouping content into easy-to-navigate tabs which decrease clutter and increase usability.

// Like a neat file cabinet. Isn't that tab-fabulous?
JTabbedPane tabbedPane = new JTabbedPane();
tabbedPane.addTab("Tab 1", new JPanel());
tabbedPane.addTab("Tab 2", new JScrollPane(new JTextArea()));
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In cases of split pane UIs, JSplitPane provides adjustable division for dual elements, allowing you to accommodate the Goldilocks of users: not too little, not too much, just right!

// Perfect for those who can't make up their minds.
JSplitPane splitPane = new JSplitPane(JSplitPane.HORIZONTAL_SPLIT, panel1, panel2);
splitPane.setOneTouchExpandable(true);
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Dialogs: Application's best conversation starters

For a secondary window, use JDialog or JOptionPane. These pop-ups are non-blocking, enabling tasks to continue in the background without interrupting the user's flow.

// Be that suave host who knows when to interrupt the guests.
JDialog dialog = new JDialog(frame, "Dialog", Dialog.ModalityType.MODELESS);
dialog.add(new JLabel("A non-modal dialog"));
dialog.pack();
dialog.setVisible(true);
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For sending alerts, JOptionPane sets the stage for presentation of messages, confirmations, and input dialogs.

// Who doesn't love an occasional tap on the shoulder?
JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(frame, "Operation completed successfully.");
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Single-document vs multiple-document interfaces

Should we opt for a Single-Document Interface (SDI) or a Multiple-Document Interface (MDI)? The JDesktopPane and JInternalFrame classes of Java Swing offer a neat MDI alternative, providing a Windows-like feel to the application while being easy on resources.

// It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
JDesktopPane desktopPane = new JDesktopPane();
JInternalFrame internalFrame = new JInternalFrame("Document", true, true, true, true);
desktopPane.add(internalFrame);
internalFrame.pack();
internalFrame.setVisible(true);
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Displaying images: Adding colors to JFrames

A single JLabel centered in a JScrollPane is enough for displaying images. For multiple images, a JList is recommended.

// Instant Picture, just add JLabel.
JLabel imageLabel = new JLabel(new ImageIcon("image.jpg"));
JScrollPane imageScrollPane = new JScrollPane(imageLabel);
frame.getContentPane().add(imageScrollPane);
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// It's like having a personal photo album right in the app!
JList<ImageIcon> imageList = new JList<>(imageIcons);
JScrollPane imageListScrollPane = new JScrollPane(imageList);
frame.getContentPane().add(imageListScrollPane);
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Complex UIs can greatly benefit from nested layouts for more orderly and scalable designs.

More than just Windows: Modeless dialog and MDI in modern apps

Contrary to common beliefs, multiple JFrames can be a blessing if used creatively. Modeless dialogs can help you promote multitasking among your app users, reminiscent of Microsoft Excel. However, make sure you collect regular feedback on application usability.

JInternalFrame: Bringing efficiency in management

Implementing JInternalFrames within a JDesktopPane offers a windowed interface while keeping the application contained in a single JFrame.

Using this framework, internal frame visibilities become easier to manage, contributing to efficient event management. Besides, from Java 7 onwards, issues with always-on-top internal frames in Windows systems have been resolved.

Impact of multiple Windows

When using modeless windows, note the implications of taskbar icons and window management. Each additional window could mean another icon in the taskbar. Moreover, in resource-limited environments, consider the overhead of multiple JFrames.