Hi. I use Java2D extensively to create architectural, CAD-like drawings in Java based on a custom vector format. The app was ported from Delphi code to Java about two years ago, and apart from the difficult printing functions, I am happy to report that Java handles our multi-user environment quite well. The drawing is all done on vectors, so input is either via a mouse or a text-box, like CAD and the system even calculates area and volume using very simple image processing, not complex math. All in all, I think Java saved me a fortune in OS licenses (we use Linux) and of course in DB licenses (H2) database, especially since this is a commercial product. And no, I'm not interested in a flame-war about database solutions.
The application basically extends a JPanel (paintComponent method) and does custom drawing using a Graphics2D object. The positioning is pixel-perfect, and allows you to specify line lengths in fractions, so for instance, 100.09 pixels long. This becomes important when drawing images to scale at different zoom levels etc. The API is well-documented, and with the IO tools we even export TIF documents from the application. Link this up with a good PDF library, and you can create excellent drawings of almost anything easily. We also extend some other components, and override the paintComponent methods to create various components you can drag around the canvas and get different effects, like swimming pools in the middle of a house etc. Invest time in studying the Java2D methods, the learning curve IS high, but it's really a powerful library and I have yet to stumble across something I can not do. The library is actually very complete, the only limit is your imagination. Have fun! Ewald --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CTJUG Tech" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CTJUG-Tech?hl=en For Cape Town Java User Group home page see http://www.ctjug.org.za/ For jobs see http://gamatamjobs.appspot.com/ -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
