Root Pane Containers - The Definitive Guide to Java Swing - page 247

by the JDesktopIcon inner class of JInternalFrame . There are also an InternalFrameListener ,
InternalFrameAdapter , and InternalFrameEvent for event handling.
First, let's look at the parts that make up the desktop, and then you'll see a complete example
that uses all the parts.

■ Note The Swing libraries provide only those tools necessary to build an application using MDI. You use

these tools in whatever manner you see fit.

JInternalFrame Class
The JInternalFrame class is similar to the JFrame class. It acts as a high-level container, using
the RootPaneContainer interface, but it isn't a top-level window. You must place internal frames
within another top-level window. When dragged around, internal frames stay within the bounds
of their container, which is usually a JDesktopPane . In addition, internal frames are lightweight
and therefore offer a UI-delegate to make internal frames appear as the currently configured
look and feel.

■ Note As with the creation of a JFrame , the JInternalFrame is hidden when first created.

Creating a JInternalFrame
There are six constructors for JInternalFrame :

public JInternalFrame()
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame();

public JInternalFrame(String title)
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame("The Title");

public JInternalFrame(String title, boolean resizable)
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame("The Title", true);

public JInternalFrame(String title, boolean resizable, boolean closable)
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame("The Title", false, true);

public JInternalFrame(String title, boolean resizable, boolean
closable, boolean maximizable)
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame("The Title", true, false, true);

public JInternalFrame(String title, boolean resizable, boolean
closable, boolean maximizable, boolean iconifiable)
JInternalFrame frame = new JInternalFrame("The Title", false, true, false, true);