First things first: FxBuilder 0.1, a Groovy builder for JavaFX components, was released almost two weeks ago. I'm happy to announce that its companion Griffon plugin is available for download. This plugin will let you compile JavaFX Script source files along with other application sources. Be aware that this does not mean there is joint compilation between Groovy/Java and JavaFX Script sources.

The second announcement is related to GfxBuilder. As you may be aware by looking at previous posts on this blog, GraphicsBuilder has been rebooted as GfxBuilder, which is ready to be downloaded. GfxBuilder is very close to being API compatible with GraphicsBuilder, this means most of the nodes you see documented in GraphicsBuilder's docs and tutorials should work with GfxBuilder as well; the following list outlines features that are not yet present on GfxBuilder:

• draw() and shape() nodes. They're probably won't be supported.
• Filters
• Importing SVG.
• Exporting to SWF.

But there are also a couple of additions:

• HSLColor from Rob Camick
• Brush, Bristle, Charcoal and Calligraphy strokes from Jeremy.

A companion Griffon plugin for GfxBuilder is available as well. The following is a screenshot of SwingPad 0.4-SNAPSHOT running the Sphere custom node demo



Take a look at the last portion of the code, the one showing gfxpanel and gfx nodes. It may not look like much given how Groovy builders work and how magical Griffon's CompositeBuilder really is, but the seamless integration between Swing and Java2D via builders is one of the driving forces behind all the work done on the Griffon project. Funny thing is that all development has been done during weekends and late nights so far, however the project is ready for prime time.

Lastly, for those willing to test out the bleeding edge, there is a snapshot version of the GSQL plugin. This plugin requires Griffon 0.2-SNAPSHOT, as it relies on the addons implementation (Addons are Griffon's runtime plugins). While the addons are not yet final the plugin should give you an idea of their behavior. This plugin will let you add database capabilities to your Griffon application, similar to those outlined in the Griffon + GSQL mini howto. It can be installed by typing griffon install-plugin gsql or, if you prefer, download the zip file from this link.

All feedback is appreciated, as always.

Keep on Groovying!