Module java.desktop

Interface TreeModel

All Known Implementing Classes:
DefaultTreeModel

public interface TreeModel
The model used by JTree.

JTree and its related classes make extensive use of TreePaths for identifying nodes in the TreeModel. If a TreeModel returns the same object, as compared by equals, at two different indices under the same parent then the resulting TreePath objects will be considered equal as well. Some implementations may assume that if two TreePaths are equal, they identify the same node. If this condition is not met, painting problems and other oddities may result. In other words, if getChild for a given parent returns the same Object (as determined by equals) problems may result, and it is recommended you avoid doing this.

Similarly JTree and its related classes place TreePaths in Maps. As such if a node is requested twice, the return values must be equal (using the equals method) and have the same hashCode.

For further information on tree models, including an example of a custom implementation, see How to Use Trees in The Java Tutorial.

See Also: