Build a GWT app: Introduction
In this tutorial, you’ll write this simple AJAX application, StockWatcher.
Go ahead and try StockWatcher out. Add a few stock codes and see how it works.
In the process of building StockWatcher, you’ll learn how GWT provides the tools for you to:
- Write browser applications in Java using the Java IDE of your choice
- Debug Java in GWT development mode
- Cross-compile your Java code into highly optimized JavaScript
- Maintain one code base (Java) for multiple browser implementations (JavaScript)
AJAX application development process using GWT
This Build a Sample GWT Application tutorial is divided into 8 sections following a typical application development cycle. Each section builds on the previous sections. In this basic implementation of StockWatcher, all functionality is coded on the client-side. Server-side coding and client/server communications are covered in other tutorials.
| Tasks: What you’ll do | Concepts: What you’ll learn | GWT Tools and APIs: What you’ll use |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create a GWT Project | Generate the files and directories you need to get started. | Google Plugin for Eclipse; GWT command-line tool webAppCreator; Development Mode |
| 2. Design the Application | Identify requirements, constraints, and implementation strategies. | Language constraints |
| 3. Build the User Interface | Lay out the visual design and add user interface components. | GWT widgets and panels, the Root panel |
| 4. Manage Events on the Client | Handling mouse and keyboard events. | ClickHandler and KeyPressHandler interfaces |
| 5. Code Functionality on the Client | Maintain one code base for multiple browser implementations. Leveraging your Java IDE’s features such as refactoring and code completion. | various GWT methods |
| 6. Debug a GWT Application | Debug the Java code before compiling it into JavaScript. Leverage your Java IDE’s debugging tools by running the application in development mode. | Development Mode |
| 7. Apply Style | Apply visual style to the application. Define the visual style in CSS. Set the class attributes on HTML elements programmatically. Change styles dynamically. Include static elements, such as image files. | GWT module; GWT themes; application style sheet; GWT methods: addStyleName, addStyleDependentName, setStyleName; automatic resource inclusion |
| 8. Compile a GWT Application | Compile your client-side Java code into JavaScript. Test in production mode. Learn about the benefits of deferred binding. | GWT compiler |
What’s Next
If you have not set up your development environment with the Java SDK, a Java IDE such as Eclipse, and the latest distribution of Google Web Toolkit, do that before you begin.
You’re ready to create a GWT project.