Steps to Integrate FXML into a JavaFX Application
1. Create the FXML File
● Use Scene Builder to design your UI and save it as an FXML file (e.g., Scene.fxml).
● Ensure that the root element of your FXML file includes the necessary namespace and
any required attributes, such as fx:controller to link it to a controller class.
Example of an FXML snippet:
xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<?import javafx.scene.control.Button?>
<?import javafx.scene.control.Label?>
<?import javafx.scene.layout.VBox?>
<VBox xmlns:fx="http://javafx.com/fxml"
fx:controller="your.package.ControllerClass">
<Label fx:id="label" text="Hello, World!" />
<Button text="Click Me" onAction="#handleButtonClick" />
</VBox>
2. Create the Controller Class
● Create a Java class that will act as the controller for your FXML file. This class should
include methods to handle events defined in the FXML file.
● Use the @FXML annotation to link UI components declared in the FXML file with
corresponding fields in your controller.
Example of a simple controller:
java
package your.package;
import javafx.fxml.FXML;
import javafx.scene.control.Label;
public class ControllerClass {
@FXML
private Label label;
@FXML
public void handleButtonClick() {
label.setText("Button Clicked!");
}
}
3. Load the FXML File in Your Main Application Class
● In your main application class, use FXMLLoader to load the FXML file and set it as the
scene for your stage.
● Ensure you handle any potential exceptions when loading the FXML file.
Example of loading an FXML file:
java
import javafx.application.Application;
import javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader;
import javafx.scene.Parent;
import javafx.scene.Scene;
import javafx.stage.Stage;
public class MainApp extends Application {
@Override
public void start(Stage primaryStage) throws Exception {
Parent root =
FXMLLoader.load(getClass().getResource("/path/to/Scene.fxml"));
primaryStage.setTitle("JavaFX FXML Example");
primaryStage.setScene(new Scene(root));
primaryStage.show();
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
launch(args);
}
}
4. Run Your Application
● Compile and run your JavaFX application. The UI defined in your FXML file will be
displayed, and interactions (like button clicks) will invoke methods in your controller.
Summary of Interaction
● FXML: Defines the layout and structure of the UI.
● Controller: Contains logic to handle user interactions and update the UI.
● Main Application: Loads the FXML file and sets up the stage and scene.
By following these steps, you can effectively integrate an FXML file created with Scene Builder
into a JavaFX application, allowing for a clean separation between design and functionality. This
approach enhances code organization and simplifies future modifications to either the UI or
business logic.