Preface

Assumptions · Typographical Conventions Used in this Manual

Assumptions

This manual assumes that you are proficient with the Java programming language. Java concepts such as classes, methods and packages are required along with a basic knowledge of object-oriented programming before continuing with this manual. See "Related Documents" later in this section of the manual for information on Java documentation.

Typographical Conventions Used in this Manual

`Typewriter Font`	is used for	Java language source code and examples of file contents. JClass Chart and Java methods and constants. Commands that you enter on a terminal.
Italic Text	is used for	Pathnames, filenames, program, procedure and parameter names. New terms as they are introduced, and to emphasize important words. Figure and table titles. The names of other documents referenced in this manual, such as Java in a Nutshell.

Overview of Manual

Part I-"Getting Started", describes how to install JClass Chart, provides an overview of JClass Chart, and contains information on how to obtain technical support.

"Preface", (this section), describes the underlying assumptions behind this manual, the typographical conventions it uses, provides an overview of the manual and lists a number of related documents useful to Java programmers.

"Installing JClass Chart", describes the files that comprise JClass Chart, and instructions on how to install the main JClass Chart components.

"JClass Chart Overview" contains basic information about Java and a feature overview of JClass Chart.

"Technical Support & Feedback" provides information on how to contact JClass technical support, and the types of support options available.

Part II-"Using JClass Chart" describes how to use the individual components of JClass Chart.

Chapter 1, "Chart Basics", provides an overview of Chart terminology. It serves as an introduction to JClass Chart.

Chapter 2, "Developing a Simple JClass Chart Program", describes how to make some simple charts, including a basic plot and bar charts, how to invert the axes of these sample charts, and how to add formatting information to the chart.

Chapter 3, "JClass Chart and Java Beans", looks at the implications of Java Beans on creating programs using JClass Chart Beans. It also looks at JClass Chart properties, the JDK 1.1 event model, plus JCChart and JCChartComponent.

Chapter 4, "Building a Chart", contains details on controlling JClass Chart properties, especially axis properties.

Chapter 5, "Customizing Chart Elements", provides information on how to customize the appearance of the chart header, footer, chart area and the data.

Chapter 6, "Programming JClass Chart", provides details on using parts of JClass Chart not available through Beans.

Part III-"Reference Appendices", contains additional detailed technical reference of all JClass Chart properties, procedures and methods and other reference information related to programming with JClass Chart.

Appendix A, "Colors and Fonts", lists all of the colornames and RGB values that can be used in JClass Chart applications. It also lists all of the fonts and font style constants that can be used.

Appendix B, "JCString Properties", describes the types of JCString properties available for adding hypertext, images and text within programs utilizing JClass Chart components.

Appendix C, "JClass Chart Property Listing", lists all of the available properties in JClass Chart and their default values.

Appendix D, "JClass Chart Inheritance Hierarchy and Containment Listing", depicts an inheritance hierarchy and a containment listing for JClass Chart, designed to help programmers determine the relationships between JClass Chart classes.

Appendix E, "JClass Chart HTML Property Listing", is a listing of all of the HTML properties that can be used by Applets created from JClass Chart.

Appendix F, "JClass Chart Frequently Asked Questions", is a listing of common answers to frequently-asked questions regarding JClass Chart. Most answers are in point form and contain extensive code samples. The latest version of this document can always be found on the KL Group Website at: http://www.klg.com/.

Appendix G, "JClass Chart Demos", illustrates all of the demonstration programs that come with JClass Chart. They are designed to help programmers to better understand the key features of JClass Chart. Extensive source code listings are also provided in order to provide examples of how the chart can be programmatically customized for different styles and purposes.
(Note that this section only exists in the PDF version of the manual, which can be downloaded from the KL Group Web site. The HTML equivalent can be found in the "JClass Chart Demonstration Programs" link in the Table of Contents).