The first step in getting started with JavaFX is to download and install the JavaFX SDK on your system. Depending on your operating system, you can download the complete SDK or just the JavaFX Runtime. See Installing JavaFX for instructions for your version of JavaFX.

Each JavaFX application has a similar framework. The main class for the application extends the Application class, the main() method calls the launch() method, and the start() method sets up and shows the stage, which contains the UI for the application. See Hello World, JavaFX Style for information on setting up a NetBeans project and creating a simple application.

The stage for the application interface contains one or more scenes, which in turn contain the controls, shapes, and images that make up your user interface. See Using JavaFX UI Controls for information on defining controls such as buttons, labels, and text fields for your UI.

After you decide what controls you want in your UI, use one of the built-in layout panes to manage the size and position of the controls. See Using Built-in Layout Panes for information on setting up your UI controls to create the screens for your UI.

JavaFX applications run on a desktop. On Windows, they also run in a browser, and over the web. When your application is ready, create the files that your users will run. See Getting Started in Deploying JavaFX Applications for information on packaging and deploying your application.