Probably a Simple Alignment Problem

Question

Ok this one is really bugging me. I'm using a BoxLayout and I want the items to align on the left edge rather than in the middle. I read through the tutorial for this exact thing, I've consulted several examples doing this exact thing, but it doesn't work for me. Maybe I've been looking at this code too long to spot the error and someone here can point me in the right direction.
I read that OBJECT.setAlignmentX(LEFT_ALIGNMENT) or OBJECT.setAlignmentX(Component.LEFT_ALIGNMENT) should set the objects alignment property and that BoxLayout should respect that and position it properly. I don't know why there are 2 methods, I assume that LEFT_ALIGNMENT and Component.LEFT_ALIGNMENT are actually the same reference to a "0" alignment value? Anyway, I found both of these listed as the solution to this problem, but neither seem to work in my program. I even tried sticking "0" in for the reference and I get the same error when I compile:
PhoneDatabase.java:217: <identifier> expected
     lblMaker.setAlignmentX(Component.LEFT_ALIGNMENT);
                                  ^So what is this identifier that it wants and why does this exact code compile quietly in other programs?

Answer 1

     lblMaker.setAlignmentX(0.0f);Gives me the same error, <identifier> expected, pointing at the 0.0f.
I tried importing Component and even awt.* and still no luck. Correct me if I'm wrong, but since the JLabel descends from Component shouldn't it automatically have access to the setAlignmentX method?
Everything in this panel should be left aligned so the problem Michael Dunn mentioned shouldn't be an issue.
Message was edited by:
michael.payne