Many file processing applications have a history mechanism that tracks the last processed files. Typically these filenames are appended to the bottom of a File menu in the order you have processed them. This tip provides a class that encapsulates all the code you need to add such a file history mechanism to your own application. Discover the key "hot spots" to link the mechanism into the JFrame used to build the heart of your application. The code is based on Swing, as provided with JDK 1.2 or JDK 1.3. (1,500 words; November 2, 2001)
Many applications provide a history mechanism for recently used files or visited Websites. This tip enhances the Swing JFileChooser component by using the accessory feature to implement a history mechanism for visited directories. The directory history saves you the many mouse clicks necessary to select input directories the traditional way, by using the Up and Down buttons of the File Chooser. Additionally, this tip shows you how to add a file preview pane to speed the process of choosing new files. (2,000 words)
JFileChooser is a class supplied with Swing that lets users select specific files from mapped drives. It imitates the Windows Explorer and Unix File Manager programs. This Java tip shows you how to use it, and gives you details on some of the problems it can run into. (2,300 words)
How many times have you selected the Open File menu item in an application only to discover that you can't find the file you need? This tip demonstrates how to add a threaded file finder accessory to JFileChooser similar in appearance and functionality to the Find Files or Folders utility available in the Windows Explorer Tool menu. With that file search accessory, your standard file dialog can help you find the file you need. As a result, you'll gain the tools to implement your own JFileChooser accessories. (2,000 words)
Traditionally, users choose files by scrolling the file chooser's list with their mice. You can speed that process by enhancing JFileChooser with a type-ahead method: the user just types the first few characters of a filename to select the desired file. This article shows you how to do just that. Plus, you'll learn how to register listeners on a compound component's descendants to extend JFileChooser's functionality. (2,000 words)
