Using Java: active content in Java

Abstract

Drawing and animation are integral parts of writing Java applications. Applets fequently contain various AWT (Abstract Windowing Toolkit) "Components" that are parts of a graphics context. When they need to be redrawn, the AWT starts with the top "Component" in the hierarchy and works its way down to the bottom. The purpose of this article is to expose the reader to various capabilities that are part of the "Active Content" in Java. I'll focus on issues related to the drawing model, drawing shapes, the graphics context, drawing text, measuring text images, and loading them both synchronously. I'll also touch briefly on eliminating flashing and animating images. This information providesfor a richer knowledge base from which to venture into writing more interesting Java programs with active content.