How Can I Synchronize Toggle Buttons and Menu Items in Swing to Control Shape Selection?

Swing: Linking Toggle Buttons and Menu Items with a Button Group

Problem:

To enhance a paint application with parallel groups of toggle buttons and menu items, you need a method to link them seamlessly, ensuring that selecting one component deselects all others and sets the appropriate shape type.

Solution: Utilizing the Action Interface

Instead of using a ButtonGroup, consider using the Action interface. This approach allows multiple components to share the same functionality effectively. An Action enables your buttons and menu items to execute the same code when triggered.

Implementation:

Create an Action class that defines the desired behavior, such as setting the shape type. Then, assign this Action to both the toggle buttons and the menu items.

When a user interacts with any component (button or menu item), the Action's actionPerformed method is invoked, triggering the code to set the shape type. Simultaneously, the Action deselects all other associated components, ensuring only the current selection is active.

Example Code:

// Define the Action class
public class ShapeAction implements Action {

    @Override
    public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) {
        // Set the shape type based on the Action's descriptor
        setShapeType(e.getActionCommand());
        
        // Deselect all other components associated with the Action
        deselectedAllOtherComponents(e);
    }
}

// Assign the Action to components
// JToggleButton button = new JToggleButton();
// button.setAction(new ShapeAction());

// JMenuItem menuItem = new JMenuItem();
// menuItem.setAction(new ShapeAction());

By employing the Action interface, you establish a centralized control mechanism for your toggle buttons and menu items, ensuring they behave consistently and eliminating the risk of infinite loops while setting their states. This approach streamlines your code, making it easier to maintain and update.

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