EDIT: I took out the samples. The code is old and dated.
- Snowflake Project
Download/View the JavaFX Script here: Main.fx
Prerequisites
Familiar with JavaFX. See my Getting Started with JavaFX post for links.
Code Notes
Creating a Flake
The createFlake function is the heart of the application, called when the application is loaded and when the Create button is clicked. It sets up a Polyline created from a series of random integers which create the x and y points along the line. The random numbers are constrained so the line is contained in a certain area.
var x1 = random.nextInt(20);
var y1 = random.nextInt(20);
var x2 = random.nextInt(100);
var y2 = random.nextInt(100);
var x3 = random.nextInt(40) + 60;
var y3 = random.nextInt(40) + 60;
var x4 = random.nextInt(20) + 80;
var y4 = random.nextInt(20) + 80;
Flake Effects
I used two different effects, but in unique ways.
First, to give the flake a slight glowing feel, I use the DropShadow effect. Instead of using Color.BLACK, I use White and set the offsets to zero. This keeps the like crisp (unlike the blur effect) but gives it a nice glow.
effect: DropShadow {
offsetX: 0;
offsetY: 0;
color: Color.WHITE;
radius: 16;
}
Second, on each Polyline I put in a Reflection effect, but keep it at full opacity. This just throws more randomness in the snowflake lines.
effect: Reflection { //Note the settings for the reflection. Doesn't fade away at bottom
fraction: 0.75;
topOffset: 0.0;
topOpacity: 0.6;
bottomOpacity: 1.0;
};
Things to Play With
- Try the sample yourself and modify how the random numbers are generated.
- Add a slider to create more or less points on the Polyline.
- Add more or less lines in the flake's content by changing the values in the for loop. Be sure the rotation amount ends up with a total of 360 so you get a full flake.
- Try different effects in each group to see how it changes.
