Dynamically resize JPanels to fit width of window

Question

I've got an arbitrary number of JPanels being created based on user input (like 1-8 panels). Right now, I'm putting all the panels in a larger panel using FlowLayout, and then adding that panel to my main window which is using BoxLayout. I want the panels to fit the width of the main window but right now they are very small. Should I use a different layout or is there a way to do this?

Answer 1

Yes, you should use a different layout manager. Use BorderLayout (tutorial here), which streches all the contents to fit the container.

Also, BorderLayout doesn't allow more than one component in each area, thus you will need another sub-panel to hold your panels. Don't use FlowLayout for that sub-panel, as it will not have the streching behaviour your are looking for.

Answer 2

You have to choose GridLayout or GridBagLayout.