How to use LineChart in Java in Intellij Idea IDE

Graphs make information easier to see. This is especially true when two or more sets of numbers are related in some way. Scientists and engineers use graphs so that they can get a better understanding of the broad meaning and importance of their data.
We can use LineCharts in our applications to maximize the look and feel of applications. Graphical representation of data attracts users and also gives a decent look to User Interface.

Before starting the code, we will need a JFreechart library to show different charts in our application.

JFreeChart is a free 100% Java chart library that makes it easy for developers to display professional quality charts in their applications.

You can download JFreeChart library from this URL.

Once you download the Zip file, after unzipping the file you will get multiple jar files in lib folder. For this tutorial we do not need all jars of this library.

We will use two jar files for this example.

1). jfreechart-x.x.x

2). jcommon-x.x.x

Let’s begin.

In this example I have created a line chart of dates and purchase amount. This chart will show the purchase amount of different dates.

(1). Create a simple Java Application Project in Intellij IDEA.

(2). Add those 2 jar files (jfreechart-x.x.x, jcommon-x.x.x) in your project. (If you don’t know how to add, watch this post first).

(3). Create a simple GUI Form, lets give it a name MyForm.

(4). In .form file design a simple UI shown below.

(5). MyForm .java class will extend JFrame so that we can show the chart.

In this code I have given Purchase Chart as first argument to give this chart a name.

Dates for X Axis.

Purchase amount for Y Axis.

And a createDataSet() method which will populate the graph with data.

Output:

In this example I have populated the graph with static data sets, you can replace them with yours dynamically by using your logic.