Hardcore JFC is a comprehensive guide to the functionality and practical use of the Java Foundations Classes (JFC), a component library designed for the Java programming language and operating environment. It presents intermediate and advanced techniques in exploiting the power and flexibility of JFC and the Swing component set. The book describes the inner workings of Swing and how its design principles can be used to add tremendous value to Java applications. The important features of JFC components are investigated thoroughly with a focus on the comprehension of fundamentals and the pragmatic application of advanced techniques. Included are concrete illustrations of how to enhance the JFC architecture: leveraging the 'Model/View/Controller' paradigm, customizing and developing new components and techniques for creating 'look and feel' user interface classes. Explanations of design and development techniques are introduced through effective, well-constructed and reusable example code.