Lava - The Java GUI Builder

Frequently Asked Questions

Operation Questions

Why can't I run Lava ? It gives me XXXException or XXXError....

See installation guide. Follow the guidelines TO THE LETTER and if you still can't work it, email me. Before you send me this sort of email, make sure you go through the installation notes. Too much of my time goes to sorting out peoples CLASSPATH settings, telling them to unzip the archive using recurse subdirectories and finding they are using an old version of the JDK.

Why is Lava so slow ?

Becuase it's written in Java. Try and get a JIT compiler for your JVM - this improves things quite a lot under Windows using the Sun performance pack. The major slowness as I see it is with the editing of components. The edit windows are really slow to use so in the future I'll be using a modeless properties dialog (like in Visual Basic) that will always be visible and allows easier and quicker editing. This is the next step for Lava as I see it and I hope this, along with the menu editor, will result in a fairly stable Lava 2.0.

LavaLayout is ok but it doesn't take into account insets and things....

I intend improving LavaLayout as time goes on. It will get better but I spent ages trying to get it working in the first place so it was just holding back the release of Lava 1.3. If anyone wants to improve LavaLayout for me......

My project is always called "Untitled" in the generated code....

On the main menu, select the Edit\Edit Root Component menu option. This allows you to alter the attributes of the main container you are working on. Under the Misc tab, the variable name field specifies the main class name.

I think I've found a bug....

EMail me a detailed description of the bug including how to reproduce it. Make sure you also include your operating system details, platform and JDK version.

Other Questions

Why is Lava so crap ?

Because I do it for free in my spare time. If people start paying me, I'll have more of an insentive to make things better. As it is, I'm only supporting Lava because, in my opinion, most comercially availible Java GUI builder products are awful. Try looking at a few rival FREE GUI builders and then tell me Lava is crap :

Why don't you support BorderLayout and GridLayout ?

LavaLayout is just a better version of GridLayout so I don't see the point. BorderLayout is an option for the future if enough people want it.

Can I distribute the LavaLayout class files used by my project ?

Yes.

Your spelling is awful and the documentation is hard to read and/or crap....

I know.

What about a menu editor ?

This has been plaguing me for ages. Basically I have been waiting for a good Tree control to implement a menu editor. The advent of Swing may fix this and so when JDK 1.2 hits the street I'll be writting a menu editing tool for Lava.

Can I help with Lava development in anyway ?

You just might be able to fix the "Why is Lava so crap ?" question by getting of your arse and helping me. Lava has, so far, been all my own work but I am going to need help if it is going to get much bigger. If your interested, email me.

I've got a fantastic idea....

EMail me a detailed description of the idea and cross your fingers. I haven't got much time but if people are gagging for a particular feature, I will get around to it eventually.

I've got some fantastic icons/graphics for Lava....

Great. I need some help on the graphical front. I did do a "Lava Now" sticker at one point but it was a bit lame. I also need a good volcano logo for the Lava windows.

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This software is provided by the author "As is" and any express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. In no event shall the author or contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this software, even if advised of the possibility of such damage.

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