Is it possible to enable all the text fields at once in Java Swing?

Question

I have multiple text fields which I need to enabled or disabled at once using Java Swing. Is that possible?

Answer 1

if you put them all in a linked list / array list you could have a method to loop though it and enable / disable. This is probably the easiest way

Answer 2

If all the JTextFields are on a single container, you could do :

for (Component c : container.getComponents()) {
   if (c instanceof JTextField) {
      c.setEnabled(false);
   }
}

Answer 3

It will be hard to maintain global list of all components and iterate over all references. Let's say you need to notify all text fields to become enabled or disabled without breaking loosely-coupled nature of your system (I assume you are interested to keep your application maintainable).

My suggestion is:

1. Sub-class JTextField
2. Start using EventBus to decrease coupling (you can start with any implementation, this one is simple enough)
3. In your JTextField sub-class subscribe to receive change_state event
4. Use your own JTextField whenewer you want to have enable/disable supported
5. Generate change_state event from any part of your application

Please note, there will be(should be) only two places related to the requested functionality:

• event triggering (can be button action listener)
• event processing (JTextField sub-class)

Do not spread event processing logic over your application. Happy coding.