Thread: Adventure ride project

Hi Guys

before I begin, I want to let you all know that I'm a total n00b in Java, so please go easy one me

I am planning on doing an Adventure Ride Project. It is an application where the person would choose what rides he wants to use and hire. It would look something like this >

When the person clicks the [Plan] button, then something like this would be displayed:

Then maybe have a Total at the bottom of the 2nd GUI, and fields where the user can input the miles he/she wants to ride each transport vehicle and of course an [Confirm] button which I have forgotten to put on.

The person would move from one adventure ride to another, How fun right ?

Now I know this is BIG (or at least I think it is for me !!) and that is why I want to start with the most basic things first !

What is the best way to go about creating the code for the list of each class ! I realise it will be similar for all three, because they will all be using the same layout.

Is an ArrayList the best thing to use ? An Arraylist which would hold Bicycles ? Or is there a better way for doing this ?

I would GREATLY APPRECIATE any help given.

Thanks Guys.

Hey Ciwan,

Just to clarify, you are programming in Java and not JavaScript right?

Hi JavaPF

Yes I am programming in Java

NOT JavaScript

Cool..

Id suggest downloading Netbeans if you haven't done so already. You can use it to easily design the graphical user interface.

There are several ways you could store the information, I personally would save the details in a .txt file and then have the code loop through and display the different bike options. You can easily add to it then without having to recode..

Check out the Tips & Tutorials section of the forum. There are code examples there that will help you.

Keep me updated and I will help you along the way.

Hi JavaPF

Slight change of plan (Read first post)

Now that it is all clear, do you still think I can do this by saving the info in a text file or text files ?

If so .. Would I need 3 text files ? One for Cycling, one for Driving and one for Flying ?

How would I go about saving all the data for each bicycle/car/airplane model in the text file ?

In the meantime I am heading over the Tips & Tutorials section to Read every single post in there, hopefull I'll be able to answer my own questions

PS. I already have NetBeans 6.5 (with all latest updates for its plugins) + UML Plugin

I would greatly appreciate any help given.

THANK YOU

I've just read every single post in the Tips & Tutorials section.

I think the only one that applies to me is the one about >> Text Processing with Regular Expressions

But I'm still not sure, how I would write the data in the text file (if that indeed is the best way to implement this project).

I've created this UML model of the app, I don't know if it is any good ? I would appreciate it if you point out any errors !!



Thanks

Hey Ciwan,

Sorry I haven't got back to you sooner.

Storing the data in a text file is just an idea. There are a few different ways you could do this and an Array or ArrayList would be just fine.

If you wanted to use the .txt file option then these links are useful:

http://www.javaprogrammingforums.com...sing-java.html

http://www.javaprogrammingforums.com...line-line.html

I think for now, it may be easier for you just to use arrays.

Have you started designing the GUI yet? I don't normally use netbeans but ive just installed it so ill have ago at making a simple interface with some code examples for you to expand on.

Hi JavaPF

Yes I have started working on the GUI, I'll post a screenshot later on today (I'm currently at work)

I've been doing some research and I find many people saying data saved in XML files is easier to handle, because the data has a defined structure .. is this true ?

If it is true, then I think I'll go ahead with saving the data in an XML file (I know how to do that so don't worry ) .. however I'll need a bit of help on how how to " READ " the data from the file > I'll have a good read of them threads you've linked me to.

I'll let you guys know how I'm advancing by this evening

Thanks for everything JavaPF

Hey Ciwan,

Storing & parsing XML data is a lot harder than reading a text file.
Here is an example of parsing an XML document using DOM Parse so you can see what I mean:

http://www.javaprogrammingforums.com...dom-parse.html

Seeing as your new to Java, i'd aim to make this application as simple as possible. The more complicated it is the harder it will be for you to code and understand!

Maybe you should try making a really simple version first and then make it more complicated in version 2

Just a thought.

Hi JavaPF

Originally Posted by JavaPF

Storing & parsing XML data is a lot harder than reading a text file.

Really ? I don't think it is that hard ! I followed your tutorial and I managed to do it ! Either it is NOT as hard as you say it is .... OR... you are REALLY GOOD at writing Tutorials

Originally Posted by JavaPF

Seeing as your new to Java, i'd aim to make this application as simple as possible. The more complicated it is the harder it will be for you to code and understand!

I know I said I was new to Java, but I am not a total n00b. I'm actually studying Java at University (just started) and we have already created simple applications (with no GUIs), so I know the main concepts of OO Programing in Java. But no where I'm as good as you !!

That is why I need help with bits and pieces

OK. That is good to hear

If you wish to store the information as XML then go for it!! Its all good practise.

I look forward to seeing your progress.

OK, here is where I'm at so far.

XML File:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
 
<cycling>
  <bicycle>
    <make>Dawes</make>
    <model>Giro 300</model>
    <price>20</price>
  </bicycle>
  <bicycle>
    <make>Kona</make>
    <model>Kona Road</model>
    <price>25</price>
  </bicycle>
  <bicycle>
    <make>Felt</make>
    <model>F95</model>
    <price>25</price>
  </bicycle>
  <bicycle>
    <make>Lapierre</make>
    <model>R LITE 300 09</model>
    <price>30</price>
  </bicycle>
</cycling>

DataReader Class:

import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilder;
import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilderFactory;
import org.w3c.dom.Document;
import org.w3c.dom.Element;
import org.w3c.dom.NodeList;
import java.io.*;
 
/*
 * The DataReader class's job is to " read " data from the XML file.
 */
 
/**
 *
 * @author Andy Green
 */
public class DataReader
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
 
      File file = new File("/home/andy/NetBeansProjects/cycling.xml");
 
      try {
      DocumentBuilder builder = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance().newDocumentBuilder();
      Document doc = builder.parse(file);
 
      NodeList nodes = doc.getElementsByTagName("bicycle");
 
      for (int i = 0; i < nodes.getLength(); i++) {
 
         Element element = (Element) nodes.item(i);
 
         NodeList name = element.getElementsByTagName("make");
         Element line = (Element) name.item(0);
 
         System.out.println("Bicycle Make: " + line.getFirstChild().getTextContent());
 
         NodeList age = element.getElementsByTagName("model");
         line = (Element) age.item(0);
         System.out.println("Model: " + line.getFirstChild().getTextContent());
 
         NodeList hobby = element.getElementsByTagName("price");
         for(int j=0;j<hobby.getLength();j++)
         {
            line = (Element) hobby.item(j);
            System.out.println("Price: £" + line.getFirstChild().getTextContent());
         }
 
         System.out.println();
      }
      }
      catch (Exception e)
      {
      e.printStackTrace();
      }
    }
}

Result of running the DataReader Class:

Bicycle Make: Dawes
Model: Giro 300
Price: £20

Bicycle Make: Kona
Model: Kona Road
Price: £25

Bicycle Make: Felt
Model: F95
Price: £25

Bicycle Make: Lapierre
Model: R LITE 300 09
Price: £30

However, looking at my DataReader class, I feel there are bits of code that aren't really needed for my XML file, but are there from the previous file you used in your Tutorial example. I say this because all I have done is Copy and Paste from your class into my calss in NetBeans.

I'd appreciate it if you could tell me which bits I can remove, I think I have a rough idea myself, but I don't want to destroy the whole thing !

Thanks