GWT Overview: A Mind map

The Central Idea of GWT is Java to Java Script translation. Java script is the de facto scripting standard for the browser to impart dynamism to a HTML web page. All major browsers embed a java script engine. However, given the nature of java script as well as the lack of developer tool set, developing complex large scale apps is a bit difficult as compared to doing it with java. Essentially, GWT brings java to the browser (without requiring the JVM). More on the design goals and why GWT here.

Why did google choose Java for translation instead of another language?

Java is the most popular language. Java comes with a rich ecosystem for development. That apart, Java is well suited for translation.

What does GWT mean to a developer ?

• If you know java you can quickly get started with GWT. The learning curve is almost flat.
• Moreover, what matters to a developer is the programming model. Developing a GWT UI app is like any other event based desktop GUI app development (Swing/MFC).
• Add HTML5 capabilities and you have desktop like apps in the browser.
• GWT effectively brings the desktop app to the browser. Take a look at the wave interface or other examples.
• GWT gives you browser independence out of the box.
• GWT Developer tools help improve developer productivity by reducing the turnaround time of the code-> compile-> deploy-> test cycle.