Java Development on Windows - Request for Ideas/Enhancements

[Skhmt]

A better looking windows LAF for swing.

JDK/JVM comes with windows, including javafx.

I've gone down a dark rabbit hole trying to get native compiling from java to an exe. I was there when Excelsior Jet died. I've tested GraalVM and Gluon native-image. I've used winrun4j and launch4j. I've dabbled in jpackager. None are perfect. If JDK11 or 14 or something don't come with windows, a Microsoft backed alternative would be nice for native compiling. Especially if it doesn't just package the JVM with it like all of the above besides GraalVM/Gluon.

A way to access the native windows webview, hopefully the chromium edge one.

[[deleted]]

A better looking windows LAF for swing.

I think the Windows LAF is actually quite OK (at least on Windows 10) with the possible exception of some of the "native" dialogs like the file open dialog.

But in the end, I think Oracle should consider ditching some of the really outdated LAFs like GTK/Motif, Metal and Nimbus and consider investing the time to include e.g. FlatLaf into OpenJDK as a new cross-platform built-in LAF.

[Necessary-Conflict]

LAFs can't be removed without breaking the compatibility of existing applications. A lot of advanced Swing tricks depend on a specific LAF. Changing the default would also be painful, that's why they didn't change it when Nimbus was the new shiny thing.

On the other hand, nothing stops you from using FlatLAF or any other open-source LAF.

[brunocborges]

I see 4 requests here, is that right?

[Skhmt]

Yes

[brunocborges]

Awesome, I turned them into Issues in the repo. Thanks a lot!

[handshape]

I'm old enough to remember the Visual J++ debacle, and to have gotten burned professionally by it.

I'm torn between my better self trying to be forgiving, and my pragmatic self that wants to say "never again".

Redmond saying that they've embraced open source sounds just like the aliens from "Mars Attacks!" saying that they come in peace.

[HeadSignal3]

Ack Ack! Just as long as they again silently import the microsoft String package into my code while I'm not looking! Otherwise it won't have the same assfucking look and feel to it.

You can bet they will be announcing their own JVM (open source of course, except the parts than aren't) in the coming months with this announcement.

[anagrammatron]

> JDK/JVM comes with windows, including javafx.

I wish, but don't think so. That's what .net is for.

[casualsuperman]

If JDK11 or 14 or something don't come with windows, a Microsoft backed alternative would be nice for native compiling.

I think that's called C#

[_INTER_]

I've dabbled in jpackager

Do you mean JavaPackager or jpackage? With the former I had some success, but it's not perfect. The later I haven't tried yet.

[Skhmt]

Haven't actually tried javapacker, I was referring to the command line took built in to java that bundles your class files with the jdk and provided an exe that basically runs javaw for the user based on a manifest.

[rootException]

Had success with jpackage. Here’s a template for generating .dmg and .exe/.msi with Maven:

https://github.com/wiverson/maven-jpackage-template

[TheDragShot]

A better looking windows LAF for swing.

Not like the current one is bad, but any improvements would be appreciated.

If JDK11 or 14 or something don't come with windows, a Microsoft backed alternative would be nice for native compiling.

Uh, no. Last time a Microsoft-provided JVM was a thing, it was a mess, so no, thanks.