Is Java Swing or JavaFX still useful in 2023?

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, both Java Swing and JavaFX are widely used frameworks for developing desktop applications in Java. However, the technology landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important to consider the current state of these frameworks in 2023.

Java Swing, introduced in 1997, has been a popular choice for desktop application development in Java for many years. It provides a rich set of components and a powerful event model for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs). While Swing is a mature and stable framework, its usage has been declining over the years.

JavaFX, on the other hand, was introduced by Sun Microsystems in 2008 as the successor to Swing. It is a modern GUI toolkit that provides a more declarative approach to building interfaces using XML-based markup language called FXML. JavaFX has gained popularity for its enhanced visual capabilities, support for animations, and seamless integration with other Java technologies.

In recent years, JavaFX has been positioned as the preferred choice for developing Java desktop applications. It has received significant updates and improvements, including enhanced performance, improved styling, and theming options, and better support for mobile and embedded platforms. JavaFX has also seen active community support and regular releases, making it a viable option for desktop application development in Java.

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That being said, the future of Java Swing and JavaFX is not entirely clear. The rise of web and mobile applications has led to a shift in the software development landscape. Many developers are now focused on web technologies such as JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) and mobile app development frameworks (e.g., React Native, Flutter). These frameworks offer cross-platform capabilities and broader reach compared to traditional desktop applications.

However, there are still use cases where Swing and JavaFX can be relevant and useful in 2023. Here are a few scenarios:

Legacy Applications: Many enterprises have existing Java Swing applications that have been developed over the years. These applications may be stable, performant, and still serve the intended purpose. In such cases, it might not be practical or cost-effective to rewrite the entire application using newer technologies. Swing provides a familiar and robust framework for maintaining and enhancing these legacy applications.

Specific Requirements: Swing and JavaFX offer a wide range of UI components and customization options. If your application requires fine-grained control over the look and feel or needs specific UI components that are not readily available in other frameworks, Swing or JavaFX can still be a viable choice.

Desktop-Centric Applications: While web and mobile applications dominate the software market, there are still domains where desktop-centric applications are prevalent. For example, scientific simulations, data analysis tools, and graphic-intensive applications may require the performance and capabilities offered by desktop applications. In such cases, Swing or JavaFX can provide a solid foundation for building feature-rich desktop applications.

Java Ecosystem Integration: Java Swing and JavaFX are part of the larger Java ecosystem, which includes libraries, frameworks, and tools that are compatible with these technologies. If your application relies heavily on existing Java libraries or integrates with other Java-based systems, choosing Swing or JavaFX can provide better compatibility and interoperability.

It's worth mentioning that the Java community is dynamic, and new frameworks and libraries are constantly emerging. For instance, Project Lanai, an upcoming project from OpenJDK, aims to provide a modern, high-performance rendering pipeline for Java Swing and JavaFX applications. This shows that efforts are being made to improve and modernize these frameworks.

In conclusion, while the popularity of Java Swing has been declining, JavaFX remains a viable choice for developing desktop applications in Java in 2023. The decision to use Swing or JavaFX depends on various factors, including project requirements, existing codebase, and the target audience.

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