Programming with JFC begins with a quick tour of the basic principles of programming with Swing. First, Swing components are "lightweight" components (which means they do their graphics work using Java, not "native" code, as with the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) controls). Also, the authors do a good job of explaining the model-view-controller (MVC) architecture found in Swing components. MVC means that the different functions of controls are split up: display is handled by a view class, events are handled by a controller class, and the data are handled by a model class. MVC is one of the most rewarding features of Swing, but it does add complexity; the authors do a good job of outlining what you need to know to be productive, without getting bogged down in obsessive technical detail.

The majority of this text explores the basic features of Swing user interface classes, starting with layout managers; new features, such as springs and struts; and actual controls, such as buttons. Wisely, the authors begin with simpler controls before taking on the complexities of using data models with more advanced control types, such as trees and tables. Along the way, the authors delve into menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes, showing that Swing is capable of designing applications in Java that are just as rich and functional as anything written in other programming languages.

While Java itself allows programs to be written once for different platforms, Swing components can be designed in such a way that they will execute without modification on any kind of computer with the identical look and feel of the operating system.

As an example, when you create a program with Swing for Windows 95, it will have the look and feel of an application written specifically for Windows 95. When you run the same program under Solaris, it runs like an application written explicitly for Solaris.

Programming with JFC begins with an overview of Swing programming and Swing specific component. The authors detail the difference between what the Java Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) offers as opposed to the Swing-based model-view-controller (MVC) architecture. More precisely, Swing sits on top of a number of the AWT API's.

The majority of the book details the features set of Swing, from its user interface classes, to its controls and implementation. The authors start with simple controls before moving onto the more detailed issues of advanced controls such as trees and tables.

The book comes with a CD-ROM (naturally) that includes numerous examples, source code and a library of ready-to-use GUI components. Also, similar material is also available via Swing Connection.