Currency Converter Application

A JavaFX-based desktop application that allows users to convert between currencies using live exchange rates fetched from an API.

Features

• User-friendly graphical interface for seamless currency conversion.
• Supports four currencies: USD, EUR, JPY, and JMD.
• Live exchange rates obtained from a reliable API.
• Handles user input for amount and currency selection.

Requirements

• Java 11 or higher.
• JavaFX SDK installed and configured.
• Active internet connection for API calls.
• API Key for Exchange Rate API.

Setup Instructions

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Replace the placeholder API key in the code:

   private static final String API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE";

How to Use

• Input the Amount: Enter the amount you want to convert.
• Select the Currencies: Use the dropdown menus to choose the source and target currencies.
• Convert: Click the "Convert" button to see the converted value in the output field.
• Pause and Retry: The application handles invalid input by defaulting the exchange rate to 1:1 if the API fails.

Code Highlights

Core Functionalities:

• API Integration: Fetches live exchange rates.
• Dynamic Currency Selection: Allows users to select any two supported currencies.
• Responsive Design: The layout adjusts for optimal viewing.

Key Methods:

• getExchangeRate(String fromCurrency, String toCurrency): Fetches the exchange rate between the selected currencies using the API. Handles JSON responses using the org.json library.
• Event Handling: Listens for user interactions like button clicks and text input.

Dependencies

• JavaFX for GUI development.
• org.json for JSON parsing.

Known Issues

• Defaults to 1:1 exchange rate if the API call fails (e.g., due to connectivity issues).
• Limited to four currencies. Add more currencies by modifying the dropdown menus and API query.

License

This project is released under the MIT License.

Author

Alistair Chambers