Java 2D API Graphics - Softcover

Hardy, Vincent J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0130142662 ISBN 13: 9780130142665

Publisher: Pearson P T R, 1999

Synopsis

Features hundreds of full-color graphics that demonstrate the power of the Java 2D API. Covers 2D geometry rendering, text effects, image manipulation, color management, and compositing. Clearly explains how to use, combine and extend the rich features of Java 2D API. Softcover. CD-ROM included.

About this title

Review

In his beautifully written and designed Java 2D API Graphics, Vincent Hardy introduces Java programmers to the contents and capabilities of this exciting addition to the set of standard Java classes.

The Java 2-D API counts among the most significant recent additions to the Java platform. The API makes it relatively easy for the programmer to treat hardware devices (including video displays and printers) as abstractions, and simplifies the process of conceiving, manipulating, and displaying geometric figures. It also incorporates a sophisticated color model (with support for transparency) and allows programmers to manipulate styled characters with a far greater degree of precision (and with greater ease) than before.

The book coverage is thorough, and is sure to save developers time that would have been spent in figuring out details through experimentation. Hardy has earned special praise by including sequences of steps that illustrate how jobs get done in the Java 2-D API. For example, he summarizes the process of rendering to a printer with eight steps, compactly stating which classes need to be used, which interfaces you need to implement, and which methods you need to call.

There's plenty of example code here (and on the companion CD-ROM), but Hardy doesn't make you decode an example in situations in which a quick statement of procedure will work. He also makes great use of illustrations (to show how such phenomena as joins and end caps are calculated, for example) and mathematical formulas (to show how AffineTransforms work). Many of the illustrations are in color, a valuable feature. --David Wall

Topics covered: The Java 2-D API for programmers with experience elsewhere in the Java language. The author pays attention to the basics--such as manipulating and rendering shapes--but also goes into detail on the Graphics Layer Framework (GLF) and the advanced rendering capabilities of the Java 2-D API (including text layout, fancy light effects, photo manipulation, and the simulation of 3-D objects with light and shadow).

From the Back Cover

Awesome graphics with the Java 2D API--step by step!

Sophisticated graphics are crucial to a wide range of applications. Now you can create awesome graphics using Java technology without the expense and hassle of platform-specific development. Sun Microsystems Java technology architect Vincent Hardy shows you how-in full-color! From text manipulation to geometry rendering, compositions and image manipulation, you'll see exactly what can be done-and learn how to do it, step-by-step with detailed code examples.

Java 2D API Graphics offers an in-depth overview of the Java 2D API, its architecture, features, components and possibleapplications. It also introduces Hardy's exclusive Graphic Layers Framework-a high-level programming model that dramatically simplifies programming with the Java 2D API (included free on the accompanying CD-ROM).

Key topics covered include:

• Fundamental Java 2D API principles and concepts: shapes, text, images, color management, compositing, transformations and more
• Rendering tradeoffs between speed and quality
• Simple to advanced code examples
• Leveraging the power and complexity of the Java 2D API with tools and higher level programming models, such as the Graphic Layers Framework
• Combination and extension of the Java 2D API features: custom paints, strokes, composites, filters and more
• Composition techniques for special rendering effects such as shadowing, neon glow, textures, embossing, lighting and more

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson P T R
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0130142662
• ISBN 13: 9780130142665
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 554