Java Swing vs Java FX

In this post, we will discuss the difference between Swing and JavaFX.

What is Java Swing?

Java Swing is a lightweight Java graphical user interface (GUI) widget toolkit that includes a rich set of widgets. It is part of the Java Foundation Classes (JFC) and includes several packages for developing rich desktop applications in Java. Swing includes built-in controls such as trees, image buttons, tabbed panes, sliders, toolbars, color choosers, tables, and text areas to display HTTP or rich text format (RTF). Swing components are written entirely in Java and thus are platform-independent.
Check out swing tutorial at https://www.javaguides.net/p/java-swing-tutorial.html.

What is JavaFX?

JavaFX is a java library for designing, creating, testing and deploying cross-platform GUI applications. It is intended to replace Swing as the standard GUI library for Java.

Java Swing vs Java FX

  1. Swing is the standard toolkit for Java developer in creating GUI whereas JavaFX provides platform support for creating desktop applications.
  2. Swing has a more sophisticated set of GUI components whereas JavaFX has a decent number of UI components available but lesser than what Swing provides.
  3. Swing is a legacy library which fully features and provide the pluggable UI components whereas JavaFX has UI components which are still evolving with a more advanced look and feel.
  4. Swing can provide UI components with a decent look and feel whereas JavaFX can provide rich internet application having a modern UI(FXML).
  5. Swing related classes can be found in Java API guide with complete documentation whereas JavaFX doc is available in a various format with a comprehensive detailing and file support.
  6. Swing since its advent can create UI component using standard Java component classes whereas Java FX initially uses a declarative language called JavaFX Script.
  7. Swing has a UI component library, and act as a legacy whereas JavaFX has several components built over Swing.
  8. Swing has support for MVC, but it is not consistent across component whereas JavaFX support is very friendly with MVC.
  9. Swing has various IDEs which offer a tool for rapid development whereas JavaFX has also support from various IDEs as well, but it is not as mature as Swing.
  10. A swing was renamed from Java Foundation Classes and sun microsystems announced it in the year 1997 whereas JavaFX was initially released on December 2008, by Sun microsystem and now acquired by Oracle.

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