The Java 2D API introduced in JDK 1.2 provides enhanced
two-dimensional graphics, text, and imaging capabilities for Java programs through
extensions to the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT). This comprehensive rendering
package supports line art, text, and images in a flexible, full-featured framework
for developing richer user interfaces, sophisticated drawing programs and image
editors.
The Java 2D API provides
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A uniform rendering model for display devices and printers
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A wide range of geometric primitives, such as curves, rectangles, and
ellipses and a mechanism for rendering virtually any geometric shape
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Mechanisms for performing hit detection on shapes, text, and images
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A compositing model that provides control over how overlapping objects
are rendered
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Enhanced color support that facilitates color management
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Support for printing complex documents
These topics are discussed in the following sections: