Developer Support

We've gathered a host of tools and resources to facilitate your getting started developing and deploying Java Foundation Class Applications:

Online Training

Creating a GUI with JFC/Swing, a trail in The Java Tutorial, is designed to help you write programs using the Swing components. It includes a "getting started" section to help you write your first Swing program, plus it describes how to choose and use Swing components.

The Java Developer Connection (JDC) occasionally presents tutorials on programming topics such as using the Swing components. Avoid courses from 1997, because they are based on very old API. To access the JDC, you must be a JDC member. JDC membership is free to individual developers. See the JDC web site to enroll.

Technical Support Search

A technical support knowledgebase is available for free as part of the Java Developer Connection (JDC). While incident-based technical support is not a feature of the JDC, you can search the question and answer database for any technical questions you have, and bug reports you want to know about. In addition, the search database includes the entire contents of the JDC program. For example, if your search keywords occur in any technical articles, or online training courses, then your search will take you there. You might also want to read the transcripts from the Java Live discussion forums that cover your area of interest.

If, however, you need incident-based technical support, we recommend the Sun Developer Support service.

Developer Programs

• The Java Developers Connection (JDC) is for individual developers. JDC offers a host of services including on-line training, product discounts and feature articles. JDC also features on-line discussion forums with industry luminaries like James Gosling, among others. It is free to developers.