Create Widgets in JavaFX with Newly-Released WidgetFX 1.0

WidgetFX is an open-source desktop widget platform written from the ground up in the JavaFX Script language. It can run widgets written in JavaFX Script and Java and takes advantage of the latest features of the Java Platform.

The 1.0 release has been updated to work with JavaFX 1.0, and has many enhancements including:

• Dock and Widget Skinning Support
• New Dock Theme
• Embedded Flash/Flex Widgets
• SlideShow Scaling Improvements
• Performance Enhancements and Many Bugfixes!

Check out the announcement from Stephen Chin and Keith Combs, and begin using and creating widgets in JavaFX today!

By the way, I've started a new category in this blog named WidgetFX in which I'll show you how to create your own widgets.  I'll start with the Audio Configuration example that you see on the left, taken from the More Cowbell post.  Then we'll turn the rotating presentation cube from a previous post into a widget.  In both cases, the widgets are operational when in the dock, and can be dragged onto the desktop where they assume their normal size.

If you'd like to launch the Audio Configuration example and the WidgetFX dock with some sample widgets, then click the following WidgetFX Launch icon.

Congratulations on this milestone, Stephen and Keith!
Jim Weaver
JavaFXpert.com

Comments

[wong]

hi Jim,
can you write blog about how widgetfx work? especially how sidebar work, drag & drop widget inside/outside sidebar, while the widget running (both inside or outside sidebar)?

thinks

[James Weaver]

"I started it but it does not react to user events (mouseclicks) anymore."

Tjerk,

Can you please tell me your platform info, and describe the mouseclicks problem that you are experiencing?

Thanks,
Jim Weaver

[Tjerk]

I started it but it does not react to user events (mouseclicks) anymore.
And also a bit memmory intensive, but that is always the case with java on the desktop.

Too bad.