How to Change the Color of a Selected TableColumn in JavaFX

Discover how to effectively change the background color of selected rows in JavaFX's TableView with custom logic and CSS.
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Changing Row Colors in JavaFX TableView

When working with JavaFX's TableView, one common requirement is to visually differentiate between valid and invalid rows. This can greatly enhance the user experience, making it easier to identify statuses at a glance. In this guide, we'll tackle how to change the background color of a selected TableColumn based on its validity status using Java Code and CSS.

The Problem

You have a simple TableView with two columns: ID and Valid. The goal is to modify the background colors so that:

Valid rows should appear green.

Invalid rows should display as red.

Additionally, we want the selected row colors to be darker versions of these colors, providing a clear visual cue for selection.

Here's a snippet of the code that starts off our TableView setup:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

We can achieve the desired functionality using two approaches: Java Code with Bindings and CSS with PseudoClasses. Let's explore both methods.

Method 1: Using Java Code and Bindings

JavaFX allows for dynamic background changes using Bindings. Here’s how to implement it:

Row Factory Setup: We will define a row factory for our TableView to control the background colors.

Background Definitions: We'll set up backgrounds based on the validity of each row.

Here's the code that accomplishes this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This approach leverages JavaFX bindings to dynamically change the row colors based on whether they are valid or selected.

Method 2: Using CSS

For those who prefer a more stylesheet-oriented approach, CSS can be employed effectively. Here’s how to apply styling via CSS:

Create PseudoClasses: Define classes for valid and invalid states.

Row Factory: Implement a row factory that utilizes these pseudo-classes.

Load CSS: Create and load a stylesheet for your styling.

Here is an implementation outline:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Styling in CSS

The following CSS will handle the coloring based on pseudo-classes:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By using either Java Code with Bindings or CSS with PseudoClasses, you can effectively manage the visual representation of your rows in a JavaFX TableView. Both methods offer flexibility and can be customized further based on your application needs. Choose the approach that suits your workflow best! Happy coding!