Building decent-sized applications requires layouts (unless you like pain), and the funny thing about layouts is that they’re tough…..real tough……until you bother to actually understand them. The second funny thing about layouts is that once you do understand them they’re simple and powerful. An added bonus is that your head stops hurting and your curse-words jar becomes considerably less overflowing. Finally, your children/partner/pet/pet-rock will love you more and the world will become a happier, more smiley place. This is the power of understanding layouts.

So, please, if you don’t know how to use the JavaFX layout containers, go and read Amy Fowler’s new blog. It is starting off with a bang, covering what’s new and changed in JavaFX 1.3 – and it’s well worth your time to read it. Keep reading each post until it makes sense. If you go cross-eyed or consider giving up, you’re doing yourself an injustice. Read it again!

For convenience, here’s the links you’ll want to read:

• JavaFX 1.3: Taming the Layout Beast
• JavaFX 1.3: Autosizing Everywhere
• JavaFX 1.3: Managed Gets Promoted
• JavaFX 1.3: Growing, Shrinking and Filling
  

Now, go forth and read! 🙂