File Explorer / Manager

Question

Hi, i'm a university student and my project consists of creating a simple File Manager (Windows Explorer like)
but without the tree. My aim is to have a window that displays all the files and subdirectories of a specified root directory. My file manager will have few features, only "file-selection" and when I double-click on a directory, it displays the files and subdirectories of this one.
Please can anyone help me on how implementing the part of my project (displaying the files + basic features described above)
thanx

Answer 1

The only relatively easy way you can create the actual graphics for folders and other made up graphics is with a bean builder. I would suggest reading up on beanbox and javabeans if you want to do this. These topics are discussed in the java tutorials on the www.java.sun homepage.
If designing you own GUI with a bean builder, you will have to use a mouselistener on the component to respond to mouse clicks, drags, etc.
An easier way would be to use a component that has already been designed.....maybe a JList? Using something like that might not give you the exact look you want but it will be much faster and easier to design and code. JList is designed to be linked with other components.......good luck.