What is the Difference Between Text Field and Text Area in Java? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

The main difference between Text Field and Text Area in Java is that the Text Field is an AWT component that allows entering a single line of text in a GUI application, while Text Area is an AWT component that allows entering multiple lines of text in a GUI application.

Java is a general-purpose, high-level programming language. There are several versions in Java, such as Java SE, Java EE, and Java ME. Of these, Java SE helps build general applications, while Java EE helps build business applications. Whereas, Java ME is used for mobile applications. Additionally, Java provides platform independence and is robust. Also, we can use it to build high-performance distributed applications. AWT, which stands for Abstract Window Toolkit, is an API for developing window-based applications or graphical user interfaces (GUI) in Java. Here, Text Field and Texta Area are two GUI components available in AWT.

Key areas covered

1. What is Text Field?
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Text Area?
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between Text Field and Text Area
    – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

API, AWT, GUI, Java, Text Field, Text Area

What is Text Field in Java

Text Field is a component in AWT that allows you to enter a single line text. So we can use it to create the Text Field object or the component. See the following example program.

                                  Figure 1: Java program with Text Field

In the above program, f is a Frame object while t1 is a Text Field object. Here, we have used the set Bounds method to place the t1 object in the frame according to the specified position. So, we have added the component to the framework. Finally, the frame is visible with the Text Field component.

What is Text Area in Java

Text Area is a component in AWT that allows you to enter multiple lines of text. So we can use it to create the Text Area object or the component. See the following example program.

                                   Figure 2: Java program with Text Area

In the above program, f is a Frame object while “area” is a Text Area object. Where, we have used the set Bounds method to place the “area” object in the frame according to the specified position. So, we have added the component to the framework. Finally, the frame is visible with the Text Area component. Here the user can write multiple lines in Text Area. If the text area is larger than the visible area, the scroll bar helps to scroll the text up, down, right, and left.

Difference between Text Field and Text Area in Java

Definition

Text Field is a control in Java AWT that allows users to edit a single line of text. Text Area is a control in Java AWT that provides a multi-line editing area. So this explains the basic difference between Text Field and Text Area in Java.

Class Declaration

Also, the public class Text Field extends Text Component while the public class Text Area extends Text Component.

Use

Text Field helps to enter a single line of text. Text Area helps to enter multiple lines of text. So this is an important difference between Text Field and Text Area in Java.

conclusion

In summary, the basic difference between Text Field and Text Area in Java is that Text Field is an AWT component that allows entering a single line of text in a GUI application, while Text Area is an AWT component that allows entering multiple lines of text in a GUI application.

Reference:

1. “AWT Text Field Class”. Www.tutorialspoint.com, Available here.
2. “AWT Text Area Class”. Www.tutorialspoint.com, Available here.