Java: GUI - Swing
vs. AWT
The original graphical user interface (GUI) for Java was called the
Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT). Performance and extendability problems with
AWT were resolved by introducing a new GUI interface, known as Swing. Swing
provides replacements for most of the AWT components, altho many AWT
non-component classes remain in use. Upward compatibility is assured in almost
all cases; an AWT continues to work in Java.
Must choose between Swing and AWT
Mixing both Swing and AWT
components in the same interface can produce errors, so one has to make a
decision about which to use. Despite the advantages of Swing, there actually are
arguments for using AWT.
Swing advantages
- Swing is faster.
- Swing is more complete.
- Swing is being actively improved.
AWT advantages
- AWT is supported on older, as well as newer, browsers so Applets written
in AWT will run on more browsers.
- The Java Micro-Edition, which is used for phones, TV settop boxes, PDAs,
etc, uses AWT, not Swing.
These notes use Swing
These notes use Swing for all GUI components.
Because the AWT is very similar to Swing, changing code is not difficult.