# Java: JLabel for output

## Why using `JLabel` for output is usually bad

It's possible to change the text of a JLabel, although this is not generally a good idea after the user interface is already displayed. For output `JTextField` is often a better choice. The use of `JLabel` for output is mentioned because some textbooks display output this way. Here are some reasons not to use it.

- Can't copy to clipboard. The user can not copy text from a `JLabel`, but can from a `JTextField`.
- Can't set background. Changing the background of individual components probably isn't a good idea, so this restriction on `JLabels` is not serious. You can change the background of a `JTextField`, for better or worse.
- Text length. This is where there are some serious issues. You can always see the entire text in a `JTextField`, altho you might have to scroll it it's long. There are several possibilities with a `JLabel`. You may either not see all of the long text in a `JLabel`, or putting long text into a `JLabel` may cause the layout to be recomputed, resulting in a truly weird user experience.

## Changing the text of a JLabel

Most JLabels are never changed, except for internationalization, and that is done before the user interface is shown. To change the text, use

    yourLabel.setText(String newText);  //