Building User Interfaces

GWT user interface classes are similar to those in existing UI frameworks such as Swing and SWT except that the widgets are rendered using dynamically-created HTML rather than pixel-oriented graphics.

In traditional JavaScript programming, dynamic user interface creation is done by manipulating the browser's DOM. While GWT provides access to the browser's DOM directly using the DOM class, it is far easier to use classes from the Widget hierarchy. The Widget classes make it easier to quickly build interfaces that will work correctly on all browsers.

Specifics

Widgets and Panels Widgets and panels are client-side Java classes used to build user interfaces.

Widgets Gallery A gallery of widgets and panels.

Events and Listeners Widgets publish events using the well-known listener pattern.

Understanding Layout Understanding how widgets are laid out within panels.

Style Sheets Widgets are most easily styled using cascading style sheets (CSS).

Image Bundles Optimize the performance of your application by reducing the number of HTTP requests for images.

Creating Custom Widgets Create your own widgets completely in Java code.

Accessing the Browser's DOM When necessary, GWT gives you the flexibility to manipulate the browser's DOM directly.

Programming Delayed Logic Classes that allow you to schedule activity to occur in the future.

Date and Number Formatting Formatting Dates and Numbers including support for internationalization.

Using the GWT Linker The GWT Linker provides two built-in linker modules, and can be extended by users.