The Eclipse Graphical Editing Framework (GEF)

As Eclipse-based applications become increasingly popular, users are demanding more sophisticated graphical interfaces. When standard widgets aren’t enough, graphics built with GEF are often the best solution. The Eclipse Graphical Editing Framework (GEF) covers everything Java tool developers need to create tomorrow’s richest, most visual interfaces.

This practical, hands-on guide begins by introducing GEF, Draw2D, and Zest, and demonstrating what can be achieved with them. Next, the authors walk through building a simple Draw2D example, helping new GEF developers understand the core capabilities available to them. Building on this foundation, they progressively introduce more of the Draw2D frameworks, including Figures, Layout Managers, Connections, Layers, and Viewports. They present a chapter-length graph visualization project based on Zest, followed by detailed coverage of non-Draw2D portions of the GEF.

The book’s final section walks step-by-step through developing a complete GEF editor. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the problem, and includes challenges, solutions, diagrams, screenshots, cookbook-style code examples, and more.

This book is organized to help developers solve immediate problems quickly, while also gaining in-depth knowledge for building advanced solutions. Relevant APIs are included in several chapters, making this an even more useful standalone reference.

This book

The Eclipse Graphical Editing Framework (GEF) is the best resource for all Java tool developers who want to construct sophisticated graphical editing products that integrate with Eclipse, for experienced Eclipse users who want to start creating their own graphical tools, and for anyone who wants to see what makes GEF tick.