Name: hv30045 Date: 11/10/99


What is the feature and what problem is it solving?
It is very difficult for developers and HI designers to create GUIs that
conform to the Java Look and Feel Design Guidelines with existing layout
managers. Currently, developers are required to nest layout managers within
layout managers to achieve the desired spacing and layout. This new layout
manager, temporarily called the "springy-strut-grid layout manager (SSGLM)"
would be the only one required to enable a Java GUI to conform.

How will it work?
What are the benefits over other solutions?
There are 2 parts to the layout solution. First is a layout manager that is
part of Swing. Second is a layout customizer that can be utilized by builders
and IDEs. (The customizer is not part of the Java2 SDK.) The customizer is a
well behaved Java Bean that works on the principles of springs and struts
combined with a grid layout system. Default settings that conform to the JLF
guidelines are referenced (though when using another look and feel like
Windows, their basic spacing and layout parameters would be used). SSGLM is a
superior solution to nesting layout managers. JLF Guideline spacing will be
maintained during such resizing activities as localization.

What are the benefits over other solutions?
The main benefit is that for most cases, only one layout manager will be
required to create a JLF Design Guideline compliant GUI.

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