Interface Builder

I was researching the Java integration features for
MacOS X over the weekend and attempted to create an
Java application and learned how it is done.  What I
found very interesting is how it uses nib files which
are created by the Interface Builder application. 
(see link below)  With a graphical tool you can
assemble the interface with various menus and frames
and have the Interface Builder generate your stub
code.

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/ToolsOvr_Book/IDE/chapter_3_section_5.html

It struck me that it is very close to SwixML and other
XUL implementations, but I do not believe the nib
files are XML.  And I think XUL projects could build
on the easy of use that Apple has provided with
Interface Builder.  As a Web developer I do not work
with Swing, but when I do I am always intimidated by
layout managers.  With Interface Builder that is a
very minor concern.  And for connecting the view back
to a controller, the ability to round-trip the view
code with generated stub code is very appealing.  The
rapid prototyping capability is a major win for
Apple's tools.

I am curious how everyone feels tools like Franklin
compare to Interface Builder.


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