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The Java Developer's Kit (JDK) release 1.1 introduced the first installation of the most significant cross-platform graphical user interface technology since the advent of windowing systems: the Java Foundation Classes (JFC).

The Java Foundation Classes extend the original Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) by adding a comprehensive set of graphical user interface class libraries that is completely portable and delivered as part of the Java platform. Also, as was announced at JavaOne this past April (see Press Release), JFC will also include many of the key features found in Netscape's Internet Foundation Classes (IFC) (see Pres s Release). Some of the benefits to developers include:

• Since JFC is core to the Java platform, it eliminates the need to download special classes at runtime and is compatible with all AWT-based applications.
  
• JFC's continually evolving new features include a rich suite of high-level components and services that are fully and uniquely cross-platform compatible, and offer significant performance improvements.
  
• All JFC components are written as JavaBeans and therefore a developer can easily bring in other third party components to enhance their JFC applications.
  

With the JFC, developers can create and deploy large scale, mission-critical intranet, internet and crossware applications. And because Java is an open, standard technology, a broad complement of third party tools and components are available to enhance application development. Some of the current features of the JFC:

• JavaBeans Compliant
• Lightweight UI Framework
• Delegation Event Model
• Printing
• Data Transfer/Clipboard
• Desktop Colors Integration
• Graphics and Image Enhancements
• Mouseless Operation
• Popup Menu
• ScrollPane Container

All these features are available today in the JDK 1.1 release. For more information about JFC, check out the whitepaper Java Foundation Classes: Now and the Future.