How to write software for Windows using Java?

Question

I have just learned Java in my college. However, in that I can just write programs that are run in the command line. How can I create GUI softwares using Java, something like Notepad? I'm really sorry for asking such a basic question on this forum, but I am really interested in writing real-world software. Also, I've heard a lot about Python. How can I develop similar software using Python?

Answer 1

Java: Trail: Creating a GUI With JFC/Swing

Python: GUI Programming in Python

And since you mentioned creating a simple text editor, here's an example.

Answer 2

Start by using an integrated development environment such as Eclipse or Netbeans. Both of them are free.

Both have visual editors to graphically design your program and assist you writing the actions performed in the code when you e.g. click a button or so. Personally I prefer Netbeans for this purpose as the gui designer does not need to be added as an optional plugin (maybe this is also not necessary any more for Eclipse).

Of course, to go beyond the first steps, you will need to read some documentation on how to build GUIs as suggested in other answers.

Answer 3

You can use Eclipse to develop Java GUI/desktop applications for Windows.

http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

NetBeans is also an option.

For Python, check these links:

GUI Programming in Python

Is Python any good for GUI development?

Answer 4

If your goal is to write native windows apps you might also consider switching to .Net (c#) which is not too hard to learn when you know programming basics in java.

.net is much better integrated in the windows environment and I think visual studio has a notepad example lying around somewhere.

Not saying you can't do this in java, sure you can.

Answer 5

Use netbeans, it has a old but good visual development mode. I cannot remember perfectly but it uses swing library i guess. Also it lets you develop not for only windows, but for mobile phones etc if you install the right plugin.