Horloge Mini Project

Description

This project, titled "Horloge", is a simple Java-based graphical application designed to display a functioning clock. The project demonstrates the use of Java Swing for GUI development, basic threading for real-time updates, and fundamental programming concepts such as object-oriented design and 2D graphics.

This project was created as part of a practical exercise (TP) to practice and apply Java programming skills.

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Features

• Analog Clock Display: A visual representation of an analog clock with accurate hour, minute, and second hands.
• Dynamic Updates: Real-time updates every second using threading.
• Custom Design: The clock is displayed within a custom JFrame window and features a red background, a black clock face, and white tick marks for hours.
• Modular Design: Code is split into logical components, including a FenetreHorloge class for managing the JFrame and a Horloge class for rendering the clock.

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Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK): Version 8 or higher
• IDE or Text Editor: IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, VS Code, or any preferred text editor

Installation

1. Clone or Download

   • Copy the source code provided and save it into a file named FenetreHorloge.java.

2. Compile

   • Open a terminal or command prompt.
   • Navigate to the directory containing FenetreHorloge.java.
   • Compile the program using:

     javac FenetreHorloge.java

3. Run

   • Execute the program using:

     java FenetreHorloge

4. Output

   • A window displaying the analog clock will appear and update in real time.

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How It Works

• Time Retrieval: The Date class is used to fetch the current time at the start of the program.
• Clock Logic: Time values (hours, minutes, seconds) are incremented in a loop and redrawn every second.
• Graphics Rendering: The paintComponent method of the Horloge class uses the Graphics object to draw the clock's face and hands.
• Threading: The infinite loop in the FenetreHorloge class ensures the clock updates dynamically, with a delay of one second between updates using Thread.sleep.

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Project Structure

FenetreHorloge.java  // Main file containing classes FenetreHorloge and Horloge

• FenetreHorloge:
  • Creates the main application window.
  • Manages the clock's threading logic and time calculation.
• Horloge:
  • Handles rendering of the clock's graphics.
  • Draws the clock face, tick marks, and hands based on the current time.

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Challenges and Learning Outcomes

Challenges

• Ensuring the clock updates in real-time without freezing the UI.
• Correctly positioning elements (numbers, tick marks, hands) in a circular layout.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding Java Swing for GUI applications.
• Using threading (Thread.sleep) for time-sensitive tasks.
• Applying trigonometry to calculate positions for clock elements.
• Structuring code for modular and reusable components.

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Future Improvements

• Multithreading Enhancement: Use a separate thread for updating the clock to avoid potential UI freezing.
• Digital Clock Addition: Add a digital display below the analog clock.
• Customizable Themes: Allow users to change colors and styles of the clock.
• Resizable Window: Enable dynamic resizing of the window while maintaining clock proportions.

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Acknowledgements

• This project was developed as part of a school exercise (TP).
• Special thanks to the instructor for providing guidance and support.

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Author

Name: Hamza Ait Bourhim