Java2D Animation Tutorial

Hey TIGForums,

Today I will give you a brief tutorial on how to do animation in Java2D. First of all, you'll need a class file and the main() method.

Code:

package Draw;

import javax.swing.JFrame;

public class Draw {
	public static void main(String[] args) {
	
	}
}

Next, you'll need to put a JFrame inside the main method. Think of the JFrame as a blank canvas. (Not to be confused with the 'java.awt.Canvas' class, which I will not be using)

Code:

package Draw;

import javax.swing.JFrame;

public class Draw {
	public static void main(String[] args) {
		JFrame frame = new JFrame();
		frame.setSize(500, 600);
		frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
		frame.setVisible(true);
		frame.setLocationRelativeTo(null);
		frame.setResizable(false);
		frame.setTitle("Draw");
		//frame.add(new GFX());
	}
}

This puts a frame, 500x600 pixels, on your screen called "Draw" that cannot be resized.
Next, you need to add a class that will actually draw the graphics. You notice that I have that last 'frame.' line commented out, because that constructor doesn't exist. You can un-comment this line once you add this following code:

Code:

package Draw;

import java.awt.Color;
import java.awt.Graphics;

import javax.swing.JPanel;

	public class GFX extends JPanel {
		private static final long serialVersionUID = 1L;
		int x, y;
		
		public GFX() {
			x = 1;
			y = 1;
		}
		
		public void paint(Graphics g) {

			g.setColor(Color.green);
			for (int i = 0; i < 124; i++) {
			g.fillRect(x, y, 32, 32);
			x++;
			y++;
                        repaint();
	                try {
			Thread.sleep(50);
			} catch (InterruptedException e) {
				e.printStackTrace();
			}
		}
			
		}
	}

Then, uncomment the line that refers to the GFX class, and you should see a green square going in a diagonal pattern down the frame.

That's all for this tutorial, if you have any questions post them below or PM me.

Cheers! Beer!

-DarkCart