Oracle Launches JavaFX 2.0, Previews NetBeans IDE 7.1

Oracle has released JavaFX 2.0, a major rewrite of the company's Java platform for creating and deploying rich Internet applications (RIAs) that behave consistently across a wide variety of connected devices.

With JavaFX 2.0, programmers can now develop rich client applications entirely in Java using existing Java libraries, access native system capabilities, integrate Web media in Java applications, seamlessly connect to server-based Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) middleware applications, and create scalable, graphics-rich applications--without, according to Oracle, sacrificing performance. JavaFX applications can be deployed as desktop applications or securely in a browser using the Java browser plugin.

Key features of JavaFX 2.0 include:

  • More than 6,500 new APIs for end-to-end Java development;
  • FXML, a scriptable, XML-based markup language for defining user interfaces;
  • Support for scripting languages that are supported on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), including Groovy, JRuby, and Scala;
  • Support for Java development tools such as NetBeans and Eclipse;
  • Ability to update existing Java Swing applications with new JavaFX features;
  • High-performance hardware-accelerated graphics pipeline;
  • Ability to embed Web materials into JavaFX;
  • High-performance media engine; and
  • Improved user interface controls library.

"Oracle has redefined JavaFX to focus on data-driven business applications that are commonly deployed in enterprise environments. With version 2 of JavaFX, customers and partners can leverage their existing knowledge of and investments in Java technologies and easily create modern, expressive graphical user interfaces and data visualizations," said Nandini Ramani, vice president of development, Java Client Group, Oracle. "JavaFX 2.0 was designed from the ground up to be compatible with all the latest features and functionality of the Java Development Kit (JDK), including features coming in JDK 8 such as modularity and closures."

JavaFX 2.0 is available now for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. JavaFX 2.0 for Mac OS is currently in public beta. Further information about JavaFX 2.0 can be found at JavaFX.com.

Oracle also announced the availability of the NetBeans Integrated Developer Environment (IDE) 7.1 Beta. NetBeans is a free, open source IDE for creating enterprise, Web, desktop, and mobile applications using the Java platform, PHP, JavaScript and Ajax, and C/C++. NetBeans IDE 7.1 Beta supports JavaFX 2.0 and enables the full compile, debug, and profile development cycle for JavaFX 2.0 applications.

NetBeans IDE is available for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and Oracle Solaris operating systems. The NetBeans IDE 7.1 Beta is available for download from the NetBeans site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Training the Next Generation of Space Cybersecurity Experts

    CT asked Scott Shackelford, Indiana University professor of law and director of the Ostrom Workshop Program on Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, about the possible emergence of space cybersecurity as a separate field that would support changing practices and foster future space cybersecurity leaders.

  • cloud, database stack, computer screen, binary code, and flowcharts interconnected by lines and arrows

    Salesforce to Acquire Data Management Firm Informatica

    Salesforce has announced plans to acquire data management company Informatica for $8 billion. The deal is aimed at strengthening Salesforce's AI foundation and expanding its enterprise data capabilities.

  • minimalist digital network with glowing interconnected lines and nodes

    Integration Brings Cerebras Inference Capabilities to Hugging Face Hub

    AI hardware company Cerebras has teamed up with Hugging Face, the open source platform and community for machine learning, to integrate its inference capabilities into the Hugging Face Hub.

  • illustration of a futuristic building labeled "AI & Innovation," featuring circuit board patterns and an AI brain motif, surrounded by geometric trees and a simplified sky

    Cal Poly Pomona Launches AI and Innovation Center

    In an effort to advance AI innovation, foster community engagement, and prepare students for careers in STEM fields and business, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has teamed up with AI, cloud, and advisory services provider Avanade to launch a new Avanade AI & Innovation Center.