Attention Java Programmers

Hi guys I need to create a GUI ready for an application I am creating, I know how to program using java but I have never been taught how to create GUIs.
I was thinking about creating something that had a menu bar always accessable from the left hand of the screen, while the rest was consistant on every option.
I want to no how hard this would be to create, also if there any sites or ebooks that you know about that will help me create this. Maybe even some example source code that i can start working from.
I really dont know where to begin on this… I imagine that one or two pages have been created then the rest will be a case of copy+paste and slight editting.
Also if anyone know any java compilers that can change the application to .exe because I cannot get mine to do that, i have to run it from the compiler.
I sort of want it looking along the lines of this quick drawing I put together in excel. I know this looks rubbish but its just a very rough image I created to try and get help.
http://rs6gc2.~ Dead file host ~/files/77418924/myGUI.xls
Thanks in advance – any help on this is good help, and I will be very grateful to anyone who posts a reply….
Answer #1
I can also program in c++ if anyone has got any advice
Answer #2
Hmmm sorry, I can program in C# and can create GUI’s using microsoft visual studio. But as for Java, im sorry but im learning that as of this year. I know for C# its very easy to make the GUI and you just have to code the button click events.
Here is a link that might have some useful information you can use
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/uiswing/
Answer #3
well, i can do c++ and java so i guess its not to much to learn c# if needed.
thanks for you help I will download some e-books and visual studio, to have a play and see how i like it.
Thanks for that site, looks like i could use this quite alot.
Answer #4
Netbeans have a very good GUI builder. It may be a big help.
My suggestion is to use two panels in one frame. Use the left panel to store the menu bar, while the right panel is replaced based on the selected option. You can make different classes for different right panel contents.
Answer #5
well, i can do c++ and java so i guess its not to much to learn c# if needed.
thanks for you help I will download some e-books and visual studio, to have a play and see how i like it.
Thanks for that site, looks like i could use this quite alot.
Just in case FYI visual studio is for C++, C# and J#. Good luck with your project
Answer #6
I don’t know much about GUI’s in java but since you already know C++, use VC++ MFC Libraries.