Which Java container should I use (JFrame, JPanel, JDialog) as parent container?

Hello,

Thanks to your help I am plowing through Java concepts and ramp up challenges.  Thanks!

I am using Java to create  some small tools.  They will not grow to gargantuan applications by design.  Basically my apps will have one main window, with and menu and tabbed interface.

Given the above, which Java container should I use (JFrame, JPanel, JDialog) as the main or parent container and why?

My apps may of course call some small dialog type windows (message box type prompts).


Thanks for your advice,

Michael