java - Creating a file from a jFileChooser component -

i using jfilechooser part of export feature. user able either select file jfilechooser's file viewer or enter name of file in filename text box. i've read it's possible value using getselectedfile() method, have listeners call getselectedfile() , attempt checks before executing export.

the problem i'm encountering getselectedfile() method returning null when enter name filename text box manually. add more confusion, getselectedfile() method work in 3 different situations:

1. i populate via setselectedfile() (a user has clicked value table , use setselectedfile())
2. i click existing file in file viewer
3. i hit enter after populating filename text box

i have 3 file filters have had same behavior regardless of if enabled or not.

listeners call getselectedfile() follows:

• event listener keyreleased
• event listener mousepressed.
• propertychangeevent listener on jfilechooser
• action listener on jfilechooser

is there better way listen jfilechooser user input? feel i'm missing obvious ... appreciated!

edit little more info ...

i have jfilechooser component in jsplitpane, in jframe. i'm not calling showopendialog input user. component accessible part of form.

what listen user input he/she types. have 'start export' button leave disabled until user has entered valid filename in filename textbox in jfilechooser component. accomplish have keyevent listener use filename user types in.

further edit

here action listener code:

jfilechooserexport.addactionlistener(new java.awt.event.actionlistener() {         public void actionperformed(java.awt.event.actionevent evt) {             jfilechooserexportactionperformed(evt);         }     }); 

i have property change listener here:

jfilechooserexport.addpropertychangelistener(new java.beans.propertychangelistener() {         public void propertychange(java.beans.propertychangeevent evt) {             jfilechooserexportpropertychange(evt);         }     }); 

inside of both jfilechooserexportpropertychange , jfilechooserexportactionperformed trying file user has selected invoking getselectedfile(). in both cases, however, remains null until user 1 of 3 methods described above

read section swing tutorial on how use file choosers. demo code there works fine me.