Creating MDI Applications in Java Using Netbeans

This is a simple process for Java users who want to create Multiple Document Interface Applications in Java. The application makes use of JPanels , a JFrame and a JDesktopPane.

To start with, all your child forms should be created using panels (JPanels) as the container. A frame is then created as the parent form. A desktop pane is then added to the frame to be container for the panels on the JFrame.

Below is how the application Works

1.   Create your child forms on a panel

2.   Create a frame and add a desktoppane to it as shown below

The black color is showing the JDesktopPane. You can set the “Anchor” and “Auto Resizing” properties of the DesktopPane so that it fits the desired size of your choice.

Add the method below to your Frame Class

public void addFrame(JPanel panel, String title) {

try {

JInternalFrame[] children = jDesktopPane1.getAllFrames();

//creating a new internal frame from the Panel passes as parameter

internalframe j = new internalframe(panel, title);

//checking to see if the child form already exist

for (JInternalFrame f : children) {

if (f.getTitle().equals(j.getTitle())) {

f.setSelected(true);

return;

}

}

//adding a new child

jDesktopPane1.add(j);

j.setVisible(true);

j.setSelected(true);

} catch (PropertyVetoException ex) {

Logger.getLogger(mainxpframe.class.getName()).log(Level.SEVERE, null, ex);

}

}

To show the child forms add the code below to the button click event

customersdetailpanel sd=new customersdetailpanel();

sd.setSize(750, 600);

addFrame(sd, "Customers Information");

the “customersdetailpanel” is one of the child forms.

Below is an interface showing showing the MDI Application

Hope this will be helpful