Java Eclipse Charts Swt

Exploring SWT Chart Libraries: Which One Should You Choose?

Creating visually appealing charts can significantly enhance the user experience in any application. This is especially true for applications built with the Standard Widget Toolkit (SWT) on the Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP). As developers look for effective solutions, finding a suitable library for drawing pretty charts becomes paramount. In this blog post, we’ll discuss popular libraries and techniques for achieving impressive charts in SWT applications, including one of the most commonly recommended, JFreeChart.

The Challenge: Finding the Right Chart Library

SWT developers often face the dilemma of selecting a chart library that not only integrates well with their application but also delivers on performance and aesthetics. While libraries like the Eclipse BIRT Chart Engine and JFreeChart are well-known, the market for charting tools is teeming with options, leaving developers to wonder: Which chart library will best meet my needs?

Here are two notable chart libraries for SWT:

  • Eclipse BIRT Chart Engine: An article that provides insight on how to utilize this robust engine for chart creation.
  • JFreeChart: A sophisticated library well-regarded in the Java community, especially for SWT frameworks.

But what if you’re looking for alternatives or want to make the most out of what you have? Let’s dive into how to effectively use JFreeChart in your SWT application.

Selecting and Using JFreeChart with SWT

Integrating JFreeChart with SWT

Although I haven’t personally experimented with BIRT or JGraph, my experience with JFreeChart in SWT applications has been largely positive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up JFreeChart using an SWT composite with an AWT frame:

  1. Create a Composite: Initialize your SWT composite that will hold the AWT frame.

    Composite comp = new Composite(parent, SWT.NONE | SWT.EMBEDDED);
Frame frame = SWT_AWT.new_Frame(comp);

  2. Create Your Chart: Use the createChart() method to create your desired chart object.

    JFreeChart chart = createChart();

  3. Display the Chart: Add the ChartPanel to your frame to render the chart within the SWT application.

    ChartPanel chartPanel = new ChartPanel(chart);
frame.add(chartPanel);

Potential Issues with JFreeChart in SWT

While JFreeChart offers a great deal of flexibility, it does come with some challenges:

  • Cross-Platform Inconsistencies: Different operating platforms may respond differently to the JFreeChart and SWT integration, which can create bugs or glitches that are hard to trace.
  • Event Handling: SWT and AWT handle events distinctly, possibly leading to erroneous event triggers due to event bubbling.
  • Performance Issues: The wrapping of the AWT frame may lead to a notable slowdown in rendering charts.

Alternatives to Consider

While integrating charts directly into your SWT application is one viable method, it’s important to recognize other options too. For instance, displaying charts as images or using HTML for a more modern look may fit your application better. However, be aware of potential complications, such as the variable integration of the Eclipse web browser across platforms and proxy server issues that could arise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while libraries like the Eclipse BIRT Chart Engine and JFreeChart stand out, choosing the right solution will depend on the specific requirements of your SWT application. JFreeChart remains a strong candidate for creating beautiful charts, provided you’re aware of its limitations and manage those effectively. As technology continues to evolve, keeping an eye out for new libraries and updates can also help ensure you’re leveraging the best tools available.

Whether you decide to forge ahead with JFreeChart or explore other libraries, remember that creating visually engaging charts is a great way to enhance the interactivity of your SWT applications. Happy charting!