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     <h1>NetBeans Options Window Module Tutorial</h1>

     <p>This tutorial demonstrates how to extend the Options window.

        <p><strong class="notes">Note: </strong>This document uses the NetBeans IDE 6.5 Release. If you
     are using an earlier version, see <a href="60/nbm-options.html">the 6.0/6.1 version
     of this document</a>.

      <p><b>Contents</b></p>

    <img  src="../images/articles/65/netbeans-stamp65.gif" class="stamp" width="114" height="114" alt="Content on this page applies to NetBeans IDE 6.5" title="Content on this page applies to NetBeans IDE 6.5"> </p>
       <ul class="toc">
         <li><a href="#intro">Introduction to Options Window Extensions</a></li>
         <li><a href="#creatingthemoduleproject">Creating the Module Project</a></li>
         <li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Extending the Options Window</a>
         <li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Building and Installing the Module</a>
         <li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Storing and Loading Preferences</a>
        </ul>

 <p><b>To follow this tutorial, you need the software and resources listed in the following
 table.</b></p>

      <table>
         <tbody>
             <tr>
                 <th class="tblheader" scope="col">Software or Resource</th>
                 <th class="tblheader" scope="col">Version Required</th>
             </tr>
             <tr>
                 <td class="tbltd1"><a href="https://netbeans.org/downloads/index.html">NetBeans IDE</a></td>
                 <td class="tbltd1">version 6.5</td>
             </tr>
             <tr>
                 <td class="tbltd1"><a href="http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp">Java Developer Kit (JDK)</a></td>
                 <td class="tbltd1">Version 6 or<br/>version 5</td>
             </tr>
         </tbody>
     </table>

     <h2 class="tutorial"><a name="intro"></a>Introduction to Options Window Extensions</h2>

     <p>Whether you
     are creating a plugin for NetBeans IDE or for another application, there
     is a good chance that you want the user to be able to specify settings,
     such as the location of an external file. The Options window offers a
     centralized location for all such settings. In the IDE, the Options window
     is found under the Tools menu and looks as follows:

     <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-1.png" alt="Primary Panel">

     <p>The NetBeans APIs give you access to the Options window in two different ways. In the
     first case, you can add a new main panel to the Options window. Using this approach, your
     module will add a new 'primary' panel to the Options window, similar to the 'General' panel
     or 'Editor' panel shown in the screenshot above. Your panel will, just like these panels,
     have a name and an image in the top of the Options window, together with its settings in
     the body of the panel. In the second case, the NetBeans APIs allow you to add a new subpanel
     within the Miscellaneous panel, as shown below:

     <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-2.png" alt="Misc Panel">

     <p>In this case, your new subpanel will have its own tab, just like "Ant" or "Diff" above, together
     with the settings within a panel in the body of the Options window extension.
     Whether you add your user settings within a new primary panel or within a tab in the
     Miscellaneous panel is completely up to you. Factors that might influence your
     decision are purely personal and a question of your own taste.

     <p>At the end of this tutorial, the Options window will be extended with a new panel.
     In addition, you will be shown how to use the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class to store and
     use the settings that the user specifies in your Options window extension.

     <h2 class="tutorial"><a name="creatingthemoduleproject"></a>Creating the Module Project</h2>

     <p>We begin by working through the New Module Project
     wizard. At the end of it, we will have a basic
     source structure, with some default files, that
     every NetBeans module requires.

     <ol>
     <li>Choose File &gt; New Project (Ctrl+Shift+N). Under Categories, select NetBeans Modules.
         Under Projects, select Module. Click Next.</li>
     <li>In the Name and Location panel, type <tt>CoolOptions</tt> in the Project Name field.
         Change the Project Location to any directory on your computer. Leave the Standalone Module option
         and Set as Main Project checkbox selected. Click Next.</li>
     <li>In the Basic Module Configuration panel, type <tt>org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions</tt>
      in Code Name Base.
     <li>Select "Generate XML Layer". Leave the
         locations of both the localizing bundle and the XML layer file
         so that they will be stored in a package with
         the name <tt>org/netbeans/modules/cooloptions</tt>. Click Finish.</li>
 </ol>


     <p> The IDE creates the <tt>CoolOptions</tt>
         project. The project contains all of your sources and project
     metadata, such as the project's Ant build script. The project opens in the IDE. You can view its logical
     structure in the Projects window (Ctrl+1) and its file structure in the Files window (Ctrl+2).


     <!-- ===================================    ================================================== -->
     <h2><a name="creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles"></a>Extending the Options Window</h2>
     <p>Now that we have a module project, which gives us our source structure,
         we simply run through another wizard that will create the NetBeans API implementation
         of an Options window extension. In the wizard, you simply
         need to specify the type of panel you want to have generated, either a primary
         panel or a miscellaneous panel, and then the wizard will
         generate all the required classes and <tt>layer.xml</tt> registration
         details for you.


         <ol>

         <li><p>Right-click the "CoolOptions" project node and
         choose New &gt; Other. Under Categories, select Module Development. Under File Types,
     select Options Panel. You should now see the following:</p>

     <p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-3.png" alt="Options template."></p>

     <p>Click Next.</p></li>
     <p><li>In the next panel, specify the type of panel that you want to create and fill
     in the information required. Initially, this panel looks as follows:</p>

     <p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-5.png" alt="Options template.">

     <p>In this tutorial, we assume that we are creating a Miscellaneous Panel, which will
      therefore extend <a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-netbeans-modules-options-api/org/netbeans/spi/options/AdvancedOption.html">org.netbeans.spi.options.AdvancedOption</a>.
      <p>Fill in the above dialog with the following details:

     <ul>
         <li><b>Title.</b> Cool Options
         <li><b>Tool Tip.</b> Select Cool Options!
         <li><b>Keywords.</b> cool
     </ul>
     <p>You should now see the following:
     <p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-4.png" alt="Options template.">
     <p>Click Next.

     <p><li>In the Location panel, you can set the prefix of the classes that will
         be generated and the package where they will be placed. Change the Class Name
     Prefix to "Cool" and leave the package name unchanged. Click Finish.</li></ol>

         <p>The Projects window should now look as follows:</p>

         <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-6.png" alt="Initial Projects window.">


 <p>Open the <tt>layer.xml</tt> file and notice that a new folder has been added with this content:

 <pre>&lt;folder name="OptionsDialog"&gt;
     &lt;folder name="Advanced"&gt;
         &lt;file name="org-netbeans-modules-cooloptions-CoolAdvancedOption.instance"&gt;
             &lt;attr name="controller" newvalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.CoolOptionsPanelController"/&gt;
             &lt;attr name="displayName" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_DisplayName_Cool"/&gt;
             &lt;attr name="instanceCreate" methodvalue="org.netbeans.spi.options.AdvancedOption.createSubCategory"/&gt;
             &lt;attr name="keywords" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_Keywords_Cool"/&gt;
             &lt;attr name="keywordsCategory" stringvalue="Advanced/null"/&gt;
             &lt;attr name="toolTip" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_Tooltip_Cool"/&gt;
         &lt;/file&gt;
     &lt;/folder&gt;
 &lt;/folder&gt;</pre>

 <p>In addition, a class that extends <a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-netbeans-modules-options-api/org/netbeans/spi/options/OptionsPanelController.html">org.netbeans.spi.options.OptionsPanelController</a> has
  been added, as well as a new <tt>JPanel</tt> for the layout of your new panel.


         <!-- ======================================================================================= -->

         <h2><a name="building"></a>Building and Installing the Module</h2>
         <p>We have done no coding whatsoever, but we can already try out our module. When we do so
             we will simply see our new panel, integrated with the other panels in the Options window. In subsequent
         sections, we will add Swing components that will enable the user to enter and store their settings.</p>
         <div class="indent">

             <h3 class="tutorial"><a name="installing-the-nbm"></a>Installing the NetBeans Module</h3>

             <p>In the Projects window, right-click the <tt>CoolOptions</tt> project and choose Run.</p>
             <p>The module is built and installed in a new instance of the target NetBeans Platform.
             The target NetBeans Platform opens so that you
                 can try out your new module.</p>

             <h3 class="tutorial"><a name="using-the-nbm"></a>Using the NetBeans Module</h3>

             <p>In this section, we take on the role of the user. After a user
                 installs our module, they would typically take the steps outlined below to
                 specify a setting in the Options window.

                 <ol>
             <li><p>Choose Tools &gt; Options from the main menu. The Options window opens.

             <p><li><p>Select the Miscellaneous panel
             and notice that your new "Cool Options" panel has been
             integrated there:</p>

         <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-7.png" alt="Options window installed 1.">

             <p><li><p>Close the Options window. Press Ctrl-I and then type the keyword you defined earlier:</p>
         <p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-8.png" alt="Options window installed 1.">
             <p>You should then be
              able to click on the returned item to open the Options window. In addition,
              the specific category that you created should be opened.

             </ol>

             <p>In the next section, we add a text field and button to the panel and
             we learn how to store the user's setting when the Options window closes.
             Then we learn how to load the setting and use it, when appropriate, in the module's code.

         </div>

         <!-- ======================================================================================= -->

         <h2><a name="tweaking"></a>Storing and Loading Preferences</h2>

         <p>In this section, we begin by designing the Options window extension.
             Using the GUI Builder, we add a <tt>JPanel</tt>, a <tt>JTextField</tt>,
             and a <tt>JLabel</tt>. Then we install the module again and we see
             the result. Next, we begin coding. Using the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class,
             we store the value entered by the user. Storage of preferences is done
             in the user directory. Then we load the preference into an appropriate place
         in our code.</p>


         <div class="indent">
             <h3 class="tutorial"><a name="icon"></a>Designing the Panel</h3>

             <p>First, let's add some Swing components to the panel, to give
             the user a means of setting a preference.

             <ol>
                 <li>Make the panel in the Design view of <tt>CoolPanel.java</tt> larger, so
                 that you have room to manoeuvre.</li>
                 <li><p>Drag and drop a <tt>JPanel</tt>, a <tt>JTextField</tt>, and a <tt>JLabel</tt>
                 onto the panel. Add a titled border, containing the text "Details",
                 to the <tt>JPanel</tt>. Change the text of the <tt>JLabel</tt> to "Name".
                 You should now see the following:</p>
                 <p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-9.png" alt="Options design"></p></li>
                 <p><li>Install the module again. In the Options window, you should now see the following:</p>
                 <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-10.png" alt="Options design">
             </ol>
             <p>You have now designed the new Options panel. In the next section, we'll add logic
             to the panel so that the text in the text field will be stored when the Options window
             closes.

         <h3 class="tutorial"><a name="sources"></a>Storing Preferences</h3>
         <p>In this section, we add code that will store the preference after the user clicks OK in the Options window.</p>

         <ol>
             <li>Look in the source of the <tt>CoolPanel</tt> class. You should see the <tt>store()</tt> method defined as follows:

             <pre class=examplecode>void store() {
     // TODO store modified settings
     // Example:
     // Preferences.userNodeForPackage(CoolPanel.class).putBoolean("someFlag", someCheckBox.isSelected());
     // or for org.openide.util with API spec. version >= 7.4:
     // NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).putBoolean("someFlag", someCheckBox.isSelected());
     // or:
     // SomeSystemOption.getDefault().setSomeStringProperty(someTextField.getText());
  }</pre>

             <p>The comments in the code present the three ways in which preferences can be stored. The first uses
             the JDK's Preferences API. The second uses the NetBeans IDE 6.x+ NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class. The third
             uses the pre-6.0 System Option class. The third approach is deprecated, while the first does not
             store preferences in the application's user directory. The second approach, the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class,
             is the recommended approach. The NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class is based on the JDK's Preferences API, but is
             tailored towards NetBeans applications, in that it stores preferences in the application's user
             directory, which is a convenient place to store them since all other user customizations for your application
             are stored there too.

             <p><li>In the <tt>store()</tt> method, delete all the comments and add this line:

             <pre class=examplecode>NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).put("namePreference", jTextField1.getText());</pre>

             <p>Press Alt-Enter in the line. Let the IDE specify an import statement for the
             NetBeans API package called <tt>org.openide.util.NbPreferences</tt>.

             <p><li>Install the module again. Type a name in your Options window extension panel:</p>

             <p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-11.png" alt="Typing a name">

             <p><li>Click OK. Look in the application's user directory, within the <tt>config</tt> folder.
                 In the <tt>config</tt> folder, you should find a folder called <tt>Preferences</tt>, containing
             a properties file for your Options window.
             Open the folder and notice that the preference has been stored there:</p>

             <p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-12.png" alt="Preferences folder">

         </ol>

         <h3 class="tutorial"><a name="sources"></a>Loading Preferences</h3>
         <p>In this section, we add code that will load the preference. We want the
      preference, in this case "Harry Potter", to be loaded into at least two places.
   First, we want the preference to be loaded into the Options window when the application
  restarts. Secondly, we want to be able to use the preference somewhere in our module. After
  all, the reason why a preference is set is so that it can be used somewhere else in the code.
  Finally, we also need to handle the situation where the preference changes. In that case,
  we need to add a preference listener and use the new value in our code, once the value changes.</p>

         <ol>
             <li>Look in the source of the <tt>CoolPanel</tt> class. You should see the <tt>load()</tt> method,
             defined with comments, similar to those discussed in the previous section.

             <p><li>In the <tt>load()</tt> method, delete all the comments and replace them with the following:

             <pre class=examplecode>jTextField1.setText(NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).get("namePreference", ""));</pre>

             <p>Now, when you restart the application, the preference is loaded into the Options window.

             <p>Next, we will create a new <tt>TopComponent</tt>. We will only do so to demonstrate
             how a preference is used. Instead of a <tt>TopComponent</tt>, you could use any other Java class
             to use your preference. In other words, this is just an example of using a user's preference
             in the context of a module.

             <p><li>Right-click the module project and choose New Window Component. Call the Window Component
             whatever you like and position it anywhere you want it to be. When you have created it,
             add a <tt>JTextField</tt> to the <tt>TopComponent</tt>. This is where we will display the user's
             preference.

             <p><li>Switch to the <tt>TopComponent's</tt> Source view and add the following lines
             to the end of the constructor:

 <pre class=examplecode>Preferences pref = NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class);
 String name = pref.get("namePreference", "");

 pref.addPreferenceChangeListener(new PreferenceChangeListener() {
     public void preferenceChange(PreferenceChangeEvent evt) {
         if (evt.getKey().equals("namePreference")) {
             jTextField1.setText(evt.getNewValue());
         }
     }
 });

 jTextField1.setText(name);</pre>

         <p><li>Install the module again.</p>

         <p>Whenever the application restarts, the current preference in the Options window
             is shown in the <tt>TopComponent</tt>. And whenever you change the preference in
             the Options window, the <tt>TopComponent</tt> immediately reflects the new value,
             as soon as OK is clicked in the Options window.
         </ol>


         <p>Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Options Window Module Tutorial.
         You now know how to provide the functionality needed for users to set your module's options.


     </div>


     <br>
     <div class="feedback-box"><a href="https://netbeans.org/about/contact_form.html?to=3&amp;subject=Feedback:%20Options%20Window%20Module%20Tutorial">Send Us Your Feedback</a></div>
     <br style="clear:both;" />
     <!-- ======================================================================================== -->

     <h2><a name="nextsteps"></a>Next Steps</h2>

     <p>For more information about creating and developing NetBeans modules, see the following resources:
     <ul>
         <p><li><a href="https://netbeans.org/kb/trails/platform.html">Other Related Tutorials</a></li>
         <p><li><a href="https://netbeans.org/download/dev/javadoc/">NetBeans API Javadoc</a></li>
     </ul>

     <!-- ======================================================================================== -->


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	<title>NetBeans Options Window Module Tutorial for NetBeans Platform 6.5</title>
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	content="A short guide to extending the Options Window.">
	<!-- Copyright (c) 2009, 2010, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. -->
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	</head>
	<body>
	<h1>NetBeans Options Window Module Tutorial</h1>

	<p>This tutorial demonstrates how to extend the Options window.

	<p><strong class="notes">Note: </strong>This document uses the NetBeans IDE 6.5 Release. If you
	are using an earlier version, see <a href="60/nbm-options.html">the 6.0/6.1 version
	of this document</a>.

	<p><b>Contents</b></p>

	<img src="../images/articles/65/netbeans-stamp65.gif" class="stamp" width="114" height="114" alt="Content on this page applies to NetBeans IDE 6.5" title="Content on this page applies to NetBeans IDE 6.5"> </p>
	<ul class="toc">
	<li><a href="#intro">Introduction to Options Window Extensions</a></li>
	<li><a href="#creatingthemoduleproject">Creating the Module Project</a></li>
	<li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Extending the Options Window</a>
	<li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Building and Installing the Module</a>
	<li><a href="#creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles">Storing and Loading Preferences</a>
	</ul>

	<p><b>To follow this tutorial, you need the software and resources listed in the following
	table.</b></p>

	<table>
	<tbody>
	<tr>
	<th class="tblheader" scope="col">Software or Resource</th>
	<th class="tblheader" scope="col">Version Required</th>
	</tr>
	<tr>
	<td class="tbltd1"><a href="https://netbeans.org/downloads/index.html">NetBeans IDE</a></td>
	<td class="tbltd1">version 6.5</td>
	</tr>
	<tr>
	<td class="tbltd1"><a href="http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp">Java Developer Kit (JDK)</a></td>
	<td class="tbltd1">Version 6 or<br/>version 5</td>
	</tr>
	</tbody>
	</table>

	<h2 class="tutorial"><a name="intro"></a>Introduction to Options Window Extensions</h2>

	<p>Whether you
	are creating a plugin for NetBeans IDE or for another application, there
	is a good chance that you want the user to be able to specify settings,
	such as the location of an external file. The Options window offers a
	centralized location for all such settings. In the IDE, the Options window
	is found under the Tools menu and looks as follows:

	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-1.png" alt="Primary Panel">

	<p>The NetBeans APIs give you access to the Options window in two different ways. In the
	first case, you can add a new main panel to the Options window. Using this approach, your
	module will add a new 'primary' panel to the Options window, similar to the 'General' panel
	or 'Editor' panel shown in the screenshot above. Your panel will, just like these panels,
	have a name and an image in the top of the Options window, together with its settings in
	the body of the panel. In the second case, the NetBeans APIs allow you to add a new subpanel
	within the Miscellaneous panel, as shown below:

	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-2.png" alt="Misc Panel">

	<p>In this case, your new subpanel will have its own tab, just like "Ant" or "Diff" above, together
	with the settings within a panel in the body of the Options window extension.
	Whether you add your user settings within a new primary panel or within a tab in the
	Miscellaneous panel is completely up to you. Factors that might influence your
	decision are purely personal and a question of your own taste.

	<p>At the end of this tutorial, the Options window will be extended with a new panel.
	In addition, you will be shown how to use the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class to store and
	use the settings that the user specifies in your Options window extension.

	<h2 class="tutorial"><a name="creatingthemoduleproject"></a>Creating the Module Project</h2>

	<p>We begin by working through the New Module Project
	wizard. At the end of it, we will have a basic
	source structure, with some default files, that
	every NetBeans module requires.

	<ol>
	<li>Choose File > New Project (Ctrl+Shift+N). Under Categories, select NetBeans Modules.
	Under Projects, select Module. Click Next.</li>
	<li>In the Name and Location panel, type <tt>CoolOptions</tt> in the Project Name field.
	Change the Project Location to any directory on your computer. Leave the Standalone Module option
	and Set as Main Project checkbox selected. Click Next.</li>
	<li>In the Basic Module Configuration panel, type <tt>org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions</tt>
	in Code Name Base.
	<li>Select "Generate XML Layer". Leave the
	locations of both the localizing bundle and the XML layer file
	so that they will be stored in a package with
	the name <tt>org/netbeans/modules/cooloptions</tt>. Click Finish.</li>
	</ol>


	<p> The IDE creates the <tt>CoolOptions</tt>
	project. The project contains all of your sources and project
	metadata, such as the project's Ant build script. The project opens in the IDE. You can view its logical
	structure in the Projects window (Ctrl+1) and its file structure in the Files window (Ctrl+2).


	<!-- =================================== ================================================== -->
	<h2><a name="creatingandgettingtoknowthemainfiles"></a>Extending the Options Window</h2>
	<p>Now that we have a module project, which gives us our source structure,
	we simply run through another wizard that will create the NetBeans API implementation
	of an Options window extension. In the wizard, you simply
	need to specify the type of panel you want to have generated, either a primary
	panel or a miscellaneous panel, and then the wizard will
	generate all the required classes and <tt>layer.xml</tt> registration
	details for you.


	<ol>

	<li><p>Right-click the "CoolOptions" project node and
	choose New > Other. Under Categories, select Module Development. Under File Types,
	select Options Panel. You should now see the following:</p>

	<p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-3.png" alt="Options template."></p>

	<p>Click Next.</p></li>
	<p><li>In the next panel, specify the type of panel that you want to create and fill
	in the information required. Initially, this panel looks as follows:</p>

	<p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-5.png" alt="Options template.">

	<p>In this tutorial, we assume that we are creating a Miscellaneous Panel, which will
	therefore extend <a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-netbeans-modules-options-api/org/netbeans/spi/options/AdvancedOption.html">org.netbeans.spi.options.AdvancedOption</a>.
	<p>Fill in the above dialog with the following details:

	<ul>
	<li><b>Title.</b> Cool Options
	<li><b>Tool Tip.</b> Select Cool Options!
	<li><b>Keywords.</b> cool
	</ul>
	<p>You should now see the following:
	<p align="left"><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-4.png" alt="Options template.">
	<p>Click Next.

	<p><li>In the Location panel, you can set the prefix of the classes that will
	be generated and the package where they will be placed. Change the Class Name
	Prefix to "Cool" and leave the package name unchanged. Click Finish.</li></ol>

	<p>The Projects window should now look as follows:</p>

	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-6.png" alt="Initial Projects window.">


	<p>Open the <tt>layer.xml</tt> file and notice that a new folder has been added with this content:

	<pre><folder name="OptionsDialog">
	<folder name="Advanced">
	<file name="org-netbeans-modules-cooloptions-CoolAdvancedOption.instance">
	<attr name="controller" newvalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.CoolOptionsPanelController"/>
	<attr name="displayName" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_DisplayName_Cool"/>
	<attr name="instanceCreate" methodvalue="org.netbeans.spi.options.AdvancedOption.createSubCategory"/>
	<attr name="keywords" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_Keywords_Cool"/>
	<attr name="keywordsCategory" stringvalue="Advanced/null"/>
	<attr name="toolTip" bundlevalue="org.netbeans.modules.cooloptions.Bundle#AdvancedOption_Tooltip_Cool"/>
	</file>
	</folder>
	</folder></pre>

	<p>In addition, a class that extends <a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-netbeans-modules-options-api/org/netbeans/spi/options/OptionsPanelController.html">org.netbeans.spi.options.OptionsPanelController</a> has
	been added, as well as a new <tt>JPanel</tt> for the layout of your new panel.



	<!-- ======================================================================================= -->

	<h2><a name="building"></a>Building and Installing the Module</h2>
	<p>We have done no coding whatsoever, but we can already try out our module. When we do so
	we will simply see our new panel, integrated with the other panels in the Options window. In subsequent
	sections, we will add Swing components that will enable the user to enter and store their settings.</p>
	<div class="indent">

	<h3 class="tutorial"><a name="installing-the-nbm"></a>Installing the NetBeans Module</h3>

	<p>In the Projects window, right-click the <tt>CoolOptions</tt> project and choose Run.</p>
	<p>The module is built and installed in a new instance of the target NetBeans Platform.
	The target NetBeans Platform opens so that you
	can try out your new module.</p>

	<h3 class="tutorial"><a name="using-the-nbm"></a>Using the NetBeans Module</h3>

	<p>In this section, we take on the role of the user. After a user
	installs our module, they would typically take the steps outlined below to
	specify a setting in the Options window.

	<ol>
	<li><p>Choose Tools > Options from the main menu. The Options window opens.

	<p><li><p>Select the Miscellaneous panel
	and notice that your new "Cool Options" panel has been
	integrated there:</p>

	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-7.png" alt="Options window installed 1.">

	<p><li><p>Close the Options window. Press Ctrl-I and then type the keyword you defined earlier:</p>
	<p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-8.png" alt="Options window installed 1.">
	<p>You should then be
	able to click on the returned item to open the Options window. In addition,
	the specific category that you created should be opened.

	</ol>

	<p>In the next section, we add a text field and button to the panel and
	we learn how to store the user's setting when the Options window closes.
	Then we learn how to load the setting and use it, when appropriate, in the module's code.

	</div>

	<!-- ======================================================================================= -->

	<h2><a name="tweaking"></a>Storing and Loading Preferences</h2>

	<p>In this section, we begin by designing the Options window extension.
	Using the GUI Builder, we add a <tt>JPanel</tt>, a <tt>JTextField</tt>,
	and a <tt>JLabel</tt>. Then we install the module again and we see
	the result. Next, we begin coding. Using the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class,
	we store the value entered by the user. Storage of preferences is done
	in the user directory. Then we load the preference into an appropriate place
	in our code.</p>


	<div class="indent">
	<h3 class="tutorial"><a name="icon"></a>Designing the Panel</h3>

	<p>First, let's add some Swing components to the panel, to give
	the user a means of setting a preference.

	<ol>
	<li>Make the panel in the Design view of <tt>CoolPanel.java</tt> larger, so
	that you have room to manoeuvre.</li>
	<li><p>Drag and drop a <tt>JPanel</tt>, a <tt>JTextField</tt>, and a <tt>JLabel</tt>
	onto the panel. Add a titled border, containing the text "Details",
	to the <tt>JPanel</tt>. Change the text of the <tt>JLabel</tt> to "Name".
	You should now see the following:</p>
	<p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-9.png" alt="Options design"></p></li>
	<p><li>Install the module again. In the Options window, you should now see the following:</p>
	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-10.png" alt="Options design">
	</ol>
	<p>You have now designed the new Options panel. In the next section, we'll add logic
	to the panel so that the text in the text field will be stored when the Options window
	closes.

	<h3 class="tutorial"><a name="sources"></a>Storing Preferences</h3>
	<p>In this section, we add code that will store the preference after the user clicks OK in the Options window.</p>

	<ol>
	<li>Look in the source of the <tt>CoolPanel</tt> class. You should see the <tt>store()</tt> method defined as follows:

	<pre class=examplecode>void store() {
	// TODO store modified settings
	// Example:
	// Preferences.userNodeForPackage(CoolPanel.class).putBoolean("someFlag", someCheckBox.isSelected());
	// or for org.openide.util with API spec. version >= 7.4:
	// NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).putBoolean("someFlag", someCheckBox.isSelected());
	// or:
	// SomeSystemOption.getDefault().setSomeStringProperty(someTextField.getText());
	}</pre>

	<p>The comments in the code present the three ways in which preferences can be stored. The first uses
	the JDK's Preferences API. The second uses the NetBeans IDE 6.x+ NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class. The third
	uses the pre-6.0 System Option class. The third approach is deprecated, while the first does not
	store preferences in the application's user directory. The second approach, the NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class,
	is the recommended approach. The NetBeans <tt><a href="http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-openide-util/org/openide/util/NbPreferences.html">NbPreferences</a></tt> class is based on the JDK's Preferences API, but is
	tailored towards NetBeans applications, in that it stores preferences in the application's user
	directory, which is a convenient place to store them since all other user customizations for your application
	are stored there too.

	<p><li>In the <tt>store()</tt> method, delete all the comments and add this line:

	<pre class=examplecode>NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).put("namePreference", jTextField1.getText());</pre>

	<p>Press Alt-Enter in the line. Let the IDE specify an import statement for the
	NetBeans API package called <tt>org.openide.util.NbPreferences</tt>.

	<p><li>Install the module again. Type a name in your Options window extension panel:</p>

	<p><img src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-11.png" alt="Typing a name">

	<p><li>Click OK. Look in the application's user directory, within the <tt>config</tt> folder.
	In the <tt>config</tt> folder, you should find a folder called <tt>Preferences</tt>, containing
	a properties file for your Options window.
	Open the folder and notice that the preference has been stored there:</p>

	<p><img border="1" src="../images/tutorials/options/nbm-options-65-12.png" alt="Preferences folder">

	</ol>

	<h3 class="tutorial"><a name="sources"></a>Loading Preferences</h3>
	<p>In this section, we add code that will load the preference. We want the
	preference, in this case "Harry Potter", to be loaded into at least two places.
	First, we want the preference to be loaded into the Options window when the application
	restarts. Secondly, we want to be able to use the preference somewhere in our module. After
	all, the reason why a preference is set is so that it can be used somewhere else in the code.
	Finally, we also need to handle the situation where the preference changes. In that case,
	we need to add a preference listener and use the new value in our code, once the value changes.</p>

	<ol>
	<li>Look in the source of the <tt>CoolPanel</tt> class. You should see the <tt>load()</tt> method,
	defined with comments, similar to those discussed in the previous section.

	<p><li>In the <tt>load()</tt> method, delete all the comments and replace them with the following:

	<pre class=examplecode>jTextField1.setText(NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class).get("namePreference", ""));</pre>

	<p>Now, when you restart the application, the preference is loaded into the Options window.

	<p>Next, we will create a new <tt>TopComponent</tt>. We will only do so to demonstrate
	how a preference is used. Instead of a <tt>TopComponent</tt>, you could use any other Java class
	to use your preference. In other words, this is just an example of using a user's preference
	in the context of a module.

	<p><li>Right-click the module project and choose New Window Component. Call the Window Component
	whatever you like and position it anywhere you want it to be. When you have created it,
	add a <tt>JTextField</tt> to the <tt>TopComponent</tt>. This is where we will display the user's
	preference.

	<p><li>Switch to the <tt>TopComponent's</tt> Source view and add the following lines
	to the end of the constructor:

	<pre class=examplecode>Preferences pref = NbPreferences.forModule(CoolPanel.class);
	String name = pref.get("namePreference", "");

	pref.addPreferenceChangeListener(new PreferenceChangeListener() {
	public void preferenceChange(PreferenceChangeEvent evt) {
	if (evt.getKey().equals("namePreference")) {
	jTextField1.setText(evt.getNewValue());
	}
	}
	});

	jTextField1.setText(name);</pre>

	<p><li>Install the module again.</p>

	<p>Whenever the application restarts, the current preference in the Options window
	is shown in the <tt>TopComponent</tt>. And whenever you change the preference in
	the Options window, the <tt>TopComponent</tt> immediately reflects the new value,
	as soon as OK is clicked in the Options window.
	</ol>


	<p>Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Options Window Module Tutorial.
	You now know how to provide the functionality needed for users to set your module's options.


	</div>


	<br>
	<div class="feedback-box"><a href="https://netbeans.org/about/contact_form.html?to=3&subject=Feedback:%20Options%20Window%20Module%20Tutorial">Send Us Your Feedback</a></div>
	<br style="clear:both;" />
	<!-- ======================================================================================== -->

	<h2><a name="nextsteps"></a>Next Steps</h2>

	<p>For more information about creating and developing NetBeans modules, see the following resources:
	<ul>
	<p><li><a href="https://netbeans.org/kb/trails/platform.html">Other Related Tutorials</a></li>
	<p><li><a href="https://netbeans.org/download/dev/javadoc/">NetBeans API Javadoc</a></li>
	</ul>

	<!-- ======================================================================================== -->


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