Active Charts

Everyone has different preferences when viewing a graphical representation of data, such as a chart. In some instances, one dataset may be used to convey several different ideas depending on how it is displayed graphically. Using the Active Charts feature of Chart FX for Java, developers can extend functionality to end users allowing them to customize chart views on the fly.

Using the active chart client component, users can manipulate chart types, colors, axis and series attributes, gridlines, and much more directly from their browser. Changes applied by users with the user interface will be observed instantly in the chart. The active charts feature of ChartFX for Java exposes several tools including an interactive Data Editor, context menus, menu bar and toolbar.

In order for the active charts feature of Chart FX for Java to function, clients viewing charts must download a client component to their computer. This component contains all the dependencies for the tools and menus supported with the active charts feature.

Note: Clients must have the Microsoft .NET Framework installed in order to support the active charts feature.

In most cases, no additional server configuration is required other than placing the active chart client component in the download directory of the Chart FX for Java installation. Some Java Application Servers may require some changes in the web.xml configuration file.

Generating an active chart can be done simply by configuring the format you wish to be rendered in the getHtmlTag, getHtmlData or setHtmlTag chart members. Please see "Selecting the chart's output" later in this chapter for additional information.

Additionally, Chart FX for Java 6.2 allows Active Charts to render using an ActiveX component. This is useful when your user base will not have the .Net Framework and requires an Active Chart type.