[lostinclass]

import javax.swing.JComponent;
import java.awt.Graphics;
import java.awt.Graphics2D;

public class RandomShapesComponent extends JComponent
{
   public void paintComponent(Graphics g)
   {
      Graphics2D g2 = (Graphics2D) g;
      RandomShapeGenerator r = new RandomShapeGenerator(getWidth(), getHeight());

      for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++)
         g2.draw(r.randomShape());
   }
}

import javax.swing.JFrame;

public class RandomShapeViewer
{
   public static void main(String[] args)
   {
      JFrame frame = new JFrame();
    
      final int FRAME_WIDTH = 300;
      final int FRAME_HEIGHT = 400;

      frame.setSize(FRAME_WIDTH, FRAME_HEIGHT);
      frame.setTitle("RandomShapeViewer");
      frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);

      RandomShapesComponent component = new RandomShapesComponent();
      frame.add(component);

      frame.setVisible(true);
   }
}

I am suppose to write a method randomShape that randomly generates objects implementing the Shape Interface: rectangles, circles ect. call it 10 times. They gave me the RandomShapeViewer and RandonShapeComponent above.

I do not understand how do i make a shape interface and call or create different shapes in my program. I created the class RandomShapeGeneator but i donot know how to write the correct code for the interface. Can someone point me in the write direction. I thought I needed to create a circle.draw() in my program.

import java.awt.Shape;

public class RandomShapeGenerator
{

	public RandomShapeGenerator(int i, int j)
	{
		// TODO Auto-generated constructor stub
	}

	public Shape randomShape()
	{
		// TODO Auto-generated method stub
		return null;
	}

}

[japanir]

The trick here is, to think of a Shape as an abstract idea.
I have written a tutorial about abstract clases vs interfaces and I discuss topics that would help you there.

Anyways, representing a Shape as abstract class\interface is a common example in the web. you can find numerous examples. here is a nice one:
http://www.javabegin...s-and-interface

[lostinclass]

that doesnt help me at all

[pbl]

You have a weird design but anyhow it may work

Your RandomShapeGenerator should save the size of the futures shapes to draw

import java.awt.Shape;

public class RandomShapeGenerator
{
    int width, height;
    Random ran = new Random();

	public RandomShapeGenerator(int i, int j)
	{
		int width = i;
		int height = j;
  
	}

then your randomShape method should return a Shape based on a Random condition

	public Shape randomShape()
	{
		int n = ran.nextInt(5);   // assuming 5 id the number of different shapes
                switch(n) {
                   case 0:
                     return a Shape object of some kind
                   case 1:
                     return a Shape object of some kind
                   case 2:
                     return a Shape object of some kind
                   case 3:
                     return a Shape object of some kind
                   case 4:
                     return a Shape object of some kind
                }   
	}

[lostinclass]

how do i return a shape from the different cases.
it wont let me return more than one. DO i need to create a shape interface. (not sure how to do that either)
i can return one shape(circle) using the code below. i was trying graphics2d.draw(shape circle) but that doesnt work

	public Shape randomShape()
	{
		Shape circle = new Ellipse2D.Float(10, 10, 10, 10);		
		return circle;

switch(n) {
case 0:
   return  (((( [b]how do i return a shape??[/b])
case 1: 
return

[pbl]

lostinclass, on 04 April 2011 - 05:03 PM, said:

how do i return a shape from the different cases.
it wont let me return more than one. DO i need to create a shape interface. (not sure how to do that either)
i can return one shape(circle) using the code below. i was trying graphics2d.draw(shape circle) but that doesnt work

	public Shape randomShape()
	{
		Shape circle = new Ellipse2D.Float(10, 10, 10, 10);		
		return circle;

switch(n) {
case 0:
   return  (((( [b]how do i return a shape??[/b])
case 1: 
return

You wrote it

switch(n) {
case 0:
   return new Ellipse2D.Float(10, 10, 10, 10);		
case 1:
   return new OtherTypeOfShape();

[lostinclass]

	public Shape randomShape()
	

ok i did that but i get a error: method must return a result of type shape

what does that mean..

i have to make a interface called shape ?

[macosxnerd101]

Post your code, as well as the line number(s) where the error message occurs. The Shape interface exists in the java.awt package, so you do not have to define it.

[lostinclass]

I guess i am not suppose to use case method

     public Shape randomShape()
    {
        Shape circle = new Ellipse2D.Float(50, 50, 50, 50);
        return circle ;
    

My instructor wrote this to me . What does this mean

Let's assume you wanted to randomly return a String with values "red" "green" or "blue". How would you do that? Probably generate a random integer, and use that to decide on the value to return for this particular method call?

Now think about returning different Shapes instead of "red" "green" etc. You've got a start below, though I'd use Ellipse2D.Double instead of Float, and tweak the constructor's parameter values; but the idea is headed in the right direction.
Don't forget variable scope.

[macosxnerd101]

pbl, on 04 April 2011 - 06:11 PM, said:

You wrote it

switch(n) {
case 0:
   return new Ellipse2D.Float(10, 10, 10, 10);		
case 1:
   return new OtherTypeOfShape();

You can use a switch block. Nowhere did your instructor say not to; in fact, I think he or she is encouraging it. Just do as pbl suggested.

[pbl]

Oups...

Ellipse2D , Arc2D, Rectanle2D, and RoundRectangle2D extends RectangularShape not Shape

If you can't cope whith RectangularShape you will have to effectively write a wrapper around it or an interface like

interface Shape {
  void draw(Graphics g);
}

class MyEllipse implements Shape {
    private Ellipse2D.Double x;

    void draw(Graphics g) {
    }
}

[macosxnerd101]

@pbl: It will certainly be confusing to maintain having java.awt.Shape as well as a local Shape interface. I agree with you on the concept, but not on the naming conventions here.

[lostinclass]

macosxnerd101, on 04 April 2011 - 08:59 PM, said:

@pbl: It will certainly be confusing to maintain having java.awt.Shape as well as a local Shape interface. I agree with you on the concept, but not on the naming conventions here.

im totally lost, it wont let me return my 2 circles
the interface doesnt work
blah

public class RandomShapeGenerator
{
	int width, height;
	Random ran = new Random();


	public RandomShapeGenerator(int i, int j)
	{
		int width = i;
		int height = j;
		
	}

	public  shape randomShape()
	{
		int n = ran.nextInt(2);
		
		switch(n)
		{
		case 0:
			return new Ellipse2D.Double(50, 50, 50, 50);
		case 1:
			return new Ellipse2D.Double(100, 100, 100, 100);

		}
		
			
	}

}

can someone explain to me what he is talking about

     public Shape randomShape()
    {
        Shape circle = new Ellipse2D.Float(50, 50, 50, 50);
        return circle ;
    

My instructor wrote this to me . What does this mean

Let's assume you wanted to randomly return a String with values "red" "green" or "blue". How would you do that? Probably generate a random integer, and use that to decide on the value to return for this particular method call?

Now think about returning different Shapes instead of "red" "green" etc. You've got a start below, though I'd use Ellipse2D.Double instead of Float, and tweak the constructor's parameter values; but the idea is headed in the right direction.
Don't forget variable scope.
[/quote]

[pbl]

macosxnerd101, on 04 April 2011 - 10:59 PM, said:

@pbl: It will certainly be confusing to maintain having java.awt.Shape as well as a local Shape interface. I agree with you on the concept, but not on the naming conventions here.

Sorry, you are 100% right
Must be time to go to bed, I totally missed that one

@OP no need to write your own Shape interface it already exists and Ellipse2D implements it so Ellipse2D IS a Shape your

Quote

ok i did that but i get a error: method must return a result of type shape

what does that mean..

i have to make a interface called shape ?

confused me. An Elllipse2D is a Shape post your exact error