What is JavaFX? A Beginner-Friendly Guide

If you’ve ever dabbled in Java development and thought, “Hey, I want to build a sleek desktop app,” chances are you’ve come across JavaFX. But what is JavaFX exactly, and why is it still relevant in 2025?

Let’s break it down in simple terms, understand its features, benefits, and where it fits in the world of app development.

What is JavaFX?

JavaFX is a Java-based framework used to build rich, modern-looking GUI applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms. It was developed by Sun Microsystems and later acquired by Oracle. Essentially, it allows developers to create visually appealing user interfaces with less effort and cleaner code compared to older Java GUI toolkits like Swing or AWT.

With JavaFX, you can build apps that feel modern, support multimedia, animations, stylesheets, and more — without needing to touch a ton of boilerplate code.

Why Use JavaFX in 2025?

Now, you might be thinking — in the age of web apps and mobile-first development, is JavaFX still relevant? Surprisingly, yes.

JavaFX is especially useful for:

• Desktop applications that need a responsive UI.
• Data visualization tools, dashboards, and scientific tools.
• Prototyping user interfaces quickly in Java.
• Apps where cross-platform support is needed.

Even though it’s not the top choice for web or mobile apps, JavaFX remains a solid pick for desktop-based solutions.

Key Features of JavaFX

Here are some of the standout features that make JavaFX development an attractive option:

1. Rich UI Controls

JavaFX provides a wide range of built-in UI components like buttons, tables, charts, and text inputs — all customizable with CSS. This allows developers to design modern UIs easily.

2. FXML for UI Layout

JavaFX uses FXML, an XML-based language, to define the UI layout separately from the logic. This means designers and developers can work in parallel, just like HTML and JavaScript.

3. CSS Styling Support

Yes, you can use CSS in JavaFX! You can style your app’s components just like you do in web development. This makes it easier to maintain consistent UI themes.

4. Hardware-Accelerated Graphics

JavaFX uses hardware-accelerated graphics, which means smoother animations and transitions, making it ideal for visually rich applications.

5. Scene Builder Tool

Not a fan of hand-writing XML? No worries. JavaFX Scene Builder is a drag-and-drop tool for designing UIs. Just design, save the FXML, and hook it up to your code.

How to Get Started with JavaFX

Starting with JavaFX is pretty straightforward, especially if you're already familiar with Java.

Step 1: Install JavaFX SDK

You can download the latest JavaFX SDK from https://gluonhq.com/products/javafx/. Gluon now maintains JavaFX separately from the main JDK.

Step 2: Set Up Your IDE

Most modern IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or NetBeans support JavaFX. Just install the required JavaFX plugin and SDK path.

Step 3: Create a Simple App

Here’s a basic example of a JavaFX app:

import javafx.application.Application;

import javafx.scene.Scene;

import javafx.scene.control.Label;

import javafx.scene.layout.StackPane;

import javafx.stage.Stage;

public class HelloJavaFX extends Application {

public void start(Stage stage) {

Label label = new Label("Hello, JavaFX!");

StackPane root = new StackPane(label);

Scene scene = new Scene(root, 400, 300);

stage.setScene(scene);

stage.setTitle("My First JavaFX App");

stage.show();

}

public static void main(String[] args) {

launch(args);

}

}

That’s it! You’ve built your first GUI using JavaFX.

Is JavaFX Free to Use?

Yes, JavaFX is open-source under the OpenJFX project, which means it's completely free to use for personal, academic, or commercial purposes.

It’s also constantly updated by the community and companies like Gluon, keeping it modern and functional.

Common Use Cases for JavaFX

You’ll find JavaFX in various industries. Some popular use cases include:

• Banking software
• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems
• Data analytics dashboards
• Simulation tools
• Educational software

Basically, anywhere you need a responsive, rich desktop UI, JavaFX shines.

Final Thoughts

So, what is JavaFX? It's a powerful, modern UI framework for Java that continues to hold its ground in the desktop development space. If you’re building cross-platform desktop applications and want a framework that’s fast, flexible, and familiar, JavaFX is still a great choice in 2025.

Whether you're a beginner in Java or a seasoned developer, diving into JavaFX development can be both fun and rewarding. To help you get started, we've added a dedicated JavaFX course that covers everything from the basics to advanced UI techniques. You'll learn how to build responsive, visually appealing desktop applications using JavaFX, with hands-on examples and real-world projects.

FAQs about JavaFX

Q1. Is JavaFX still used in 2025?

Yes, JavaFX is still actively used in many industries, especially for enterprise desktop applications, scientific tools, and educational software. Thanks to the OpenJFX project and Gluon’s support, it’s still evolving.

Q2. Can I build mobile apps using JavaFX?

Technically yes, with tools like Gluon Mobile, you can build mobile apps with JavaFX. However, it’s not the most popular choice for mobile development. Frameworks like Flutter or React Native are better suited.

Q3. Is JavaFX better than Swing?

In most cases, yes. JavaFX offers better visuals, performance, and ease of use. While Swing is older and still works, JavaFX is more modern and future-ready.

Q4. Does JavaFX support 3D graphics?

Yes! JavaFX includes support for 3D graphics, allowing developers to build immersive experiences with objects, lighting, and camera control.