Java: Create global graphics object

Question

I\'ve extended the JPanel class to draw a graph. The problem that I\'ve got is that I need a global graphics object in order to call it in multiple methods... As an example, her

Answer 1

My suggestion would be this:

public class Graph extends JPanel {
    public void paintComponent(Graphics g){
        super.paintComponent(g);
        g2d = (Graphics2D) g;
        drawGridLines(g2d, ......);
    }

    private void drawGridLines(Graphics2D g2d, int hor, int vert){
        g2d.someLogicToDrawMyGridLines(someparams);
    }
}

i.e. keep all the uses of your graphics context inside the paintComponent call.

Answer 2

How would I pass in the graphics object externally?

Don't. The graphics context is only valid during the invocation of paintComponent(). Instead, use the MVC pattern, discussed here, to update a model that notifies any listening view to render itself. JFreeChart is a complete example.