How to add rows using DefaultTableModel?

Question

I'm trying to figure out the ins-and-outs of creating a dynamic table.
I looked for a tutorial, but none of the example programs I found dealt with my particular issue, nor did they explain anything.
For instance, most of the examples looked like this:
        table = new JTable();
        defaultModel = new DefaultTableModel(10,5);
        setModel(defaultModel);But that doesn't work for me -- I'm creating a class that EXTENDS DefaultTableModel, and so if I want to send in parameters, I have a problem.
          public MyTableModel() {
                        super(data, columnNames);
                ...The above code complains that "you can't access data or columnNames until you call super()!"
But I've seen plenty of example code that DOES send in parameters to super(). How do they get away with that? Is it because they are parameters to the constructor, whereas private/public members of the class are somehow different?
I thought a variable is a variable -- why is one allowed but not the other?
Lastly, I'm trying to figure out, practically speaking, how to load a database with X items, and be able to add rows later. Does that mean I need to use a vector for my data instead of Object[][]?
I've seen BOTH AbstractDataModel and DefaultTableModel used with dynamic tables -- is there any difference between them as far as dynamic tables are concerned?
I was under the impression that I needed to "switch" from ADM to DTM if I wanted to be able to add rows to my table at runtime.
Here are some references to previous discussions I found/participated in on this topic:
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5224966
http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jspa?threadID=439141&start=0&tstart=0
Thanks in advance for any help,
Matthew

Answer 1

-> I'm creating a class that EXTENDS DefaultTableModel, and so if I want to send in parameters, I have a problem
Well, you would pass in the data and columnNames as parameter when you create your table model.
-> Lastly, I'm trying to figure out, practically speaking, how to load a
-> database with X items, and be able to add rows later. Does that
-> mean I need to use a vector for my data instead of Object[][]?
You just said you extended DefaultTableModel. Well you don't need to do anything it already manages the data for you. You just use the methods provided to update and change the data.
-> I've seen BOTH AbstractDataModel and DefaultTableModel used with dynamic tables
No you haven't. You really don't understand what an AbstractDataModel is do you? Its nothing. You can't use it. It doesn't have any storage for the data, and since there is no data storage you can't access the data or change it. You can't even create an AbstractTableModel. Read your Java text on what an Abstract class it.
The DefaultTableModel extends the AbstractTableModel to provide data storage and ways to get the data and change the data. It notifies the table when any change is made to the data so the table can repaint itself.
-> How to add rows using DefaultTableModel?
Finally, the DTM provides methods that make the model dynamic. Methods for adding and removing rows or adding and removing columns. Read the API for more information.
If you still don't understand how how the methods work then search the forum for examples that use the methods you don't understand. I've posted an example the uses the methods required to add rows or columns.