What are the pros and cons FXML?

Question

What are the pros and cons of using FXMLs or not using FXMLs for developing JavaFX applications?

For developing enterprise JavaFX application which approach should one follow?

Answer 1

FXML Cons: It takes slightly longer to load and display.

FXML Pros:

• Rapid scene development / mock up using Scene Builder.
• FXML is not a compiled language; you do not need to recompile the code to see the changes. Just reload the FXML file.
• It provides a clear separation of GUI from logic/controller.
• So you can have different versions of a scene/view using the same controller. This is handy for demo's for instance.
• The content of an FXML file can be localized as the file is read.

Definitely use FXML in enterprise apps !

Answer 2

I would add two contra to Jurgens list.

If you are working with FXML instantiation of your view is sort of inconvenient. At least from my point of view.

Node explorer = new MyExplorerWidget();

or

Node explorer = cdicontainer.newInstance(MyExplorerWidget.class);

is more pleasant than

FXMLLoader loader = new FXMLLoader(getClass().getResource("com.mycompany.some.very.long.name.MyExplorerWidget.fxml"),explorerwidgetresouces);//Of course we want our app internationalized
Node explorer = loader.load();

Another point is that FXML is static. If you want to generate your UI at run time depending on some model you will write UI code anyway. I ended up with useless fxml files like this PropertyGrid.fxml

<AnchorPane xmlns:fx="http://javafx.com/fxml/1" xmlns="http://javafx.com/javafx/8" fx:controller="PropertyGridController">
    <children>
        <VBox fx:id="vbox" layoutX="63.0" layoutY="-28.0" prefHeight="172.0" prefWidth="163.0" AnchorPane.bottomAnchor="0.0" AnchorPane.leftAnchor="0.0" AnchorPane.rightAnchor="0.0" AnchorPane.topAnchor="0.0" />
    </children>
</AnchorPane>

And the PropertyGridController.

public class PropertyGridController{

    @FXML
    VBox vbox;

    ....

    public void setModel(PropertySheet model){
        //.... tons of code to generate the actual property grid and add it to the view
    }
}