ALE -- Adaptable Layout Environment
A Java-based Interface Layout Tool
Introduction
ALE (Adaptable Layout Environment) is a tool for building interfaces for your Java applications.
With ALE, you can:
- Use a free form, grid, or flow layout technique, or any combination of the three in the same interface.
- Align components (buttons, message areas, text input fields, etc.) exactly, relative to the dialog box, or relative to each other.
- Size components exactly or relative to each other.
- Try out new interface designs without recompiling your application.
You have two choices for incorporating your interface with Java applications:
- Construct the interface in a separate file.
- Construct the interface in a separate file and then use the make_array tool to include the interface data in your Java source files, which are then compiled with the application.
The advantages of each approach are:
- If the interface is stored in an external file, you don't have to recompile your application every time you make a change to the interface. This allows more convenient experimentation when you're trying to achieve a certain look.
- If the interface is compiled in with the application, the interface can't be altered by the end-user.
You may find using both strategies -- experimenting and testing with a separate interface file, then when you're ready to ship compiling the interface file into your application -- is the best approach.
How to Read this Help File
If you're an experienced Java programmer, you can probably read Getting Started and Basic ALE File Structure and then go straight to the A Real World ALE File for a more complex example.
If you're new to Java, or haven't yet delved into creating interfaces, you may do better to skim the Basic ALE File Structure, then read through Terms and all of Getting Started before continuing on to the Interface Layout Specifics.
