Using JavaFX Applications with Java

JavaFX is no longer part of the jdk. You need to install it separately. The following provides some instructions on how to install JavaFX to run the examples available at GUICodeFX.zip. JavaFX documentation can be found at https://openjfx.io/.

Download JavaFX -
1. Download JavaFX for your system (e.g., PC, Mac, Linux) from https://gluonhq.com/products/javafx/.
2. In the above web page, scroll down until you find the section with the headings "Downloads."
3. Select the SDK version:
  - E.g., for PC: JavaFX 19.0.2.1, Windows, x64, SDK
  - E.g., for Mac: JavaFX 19.0.2.1, macOS, x64, SDK
Unzip Downloaded File - Unzip the previous file (e.g., openjfx-19.0.2.1_windows-x64_bin-sdk.zip). You should see a folder named javafx-sdk-## (where ## is a number). The folder will have at least the following folders: legal and lib. Place the folder in your desktop.
Importing Some JavaFX Examples - Import into Eclipse your JavaFX examples or the ones we provided GUICodeFX.zip. This will allow you to test JavaFX in your system.
Create an Eclipse User Library - In Eclipse, create a user library representing JavaFX by selecting Window → Preferences (for PC) and Eclipse → Settings/Preferences ... (for Mac). Continue by selecting Java → Build Path → User Libraries → New... In the textfield, enter a library name (e.g., JavaFX) and select OK. Now select "Add External JARs..." and add all the .jar files that are in the lib folder of the JavaFX folder (e.g., javafx-sdk-##, where ## is a number) you previously downloaded. Select "Apply and Close". If the code does not compile, you need to update your build path. Right click on the project, select Build Path → Add Libraries... → User Library, select JavaFX and select Finish.
Running JavaFX Example - To run an example (e.g., Basics.java available in the code distribution we provided), first run the example by right-clicking on the file and choosing Run As → Java Application. You will see some errors. Now, run the program again, but this time, right-click on the file and choose Run As → Run Configurations...". Select the tab with the heading Arguments. Under VM arguments: NOT under "Program arguments:" provide the location of the javafx-sdk lib folder. For example:

For a PC where the user nelson placed the javafx-sdk-19.0.2.1 library in the desktop the information you need to provide is:
```
--module-path C:\Users\Nelson\Desktop\javafx-sdk-19.0.2.1\lib --add-modules=javafx.controls
```
For a Mac, it would be something similar to:
```
--module-path /Users/nelson/Desktop/javafx-sdk-19.0.2.1/lib --add-modules=javafx.controls
```
When you cut and paste, you might only see the end of the above information in Eclipse. Now select "Run" to run the example. Important: in a Mac, uncheck the option "Use the -XstartOnFirstThread argument when launching with SWT", otherwise the program will not run. If you try to run an example and you see the error message "Graphics Device initialization failed" you need to update some library (this is specific to your computer/environment). A google search could provide some leads.

TroubleShooting

If you are having problems with JavaFX, check JavaFX tips.