I am using GWT 2.0.3 with ext in my application.This project is no longer under active development and has been superseded by Smart GWT.I am using HMVC pattern for this application.
Now with existing GWT 2.0.3 and ext version I am getting many issues.Issues are related to the followinng things.
Browser Compatibility
HTML 5 Compliance
Mobile Compatibility
Resolution Independence
Loading Speed
Control Richness
Fews days back GWT 2.3 version also released.Now I want to move my application application to new technology.as ext is no longer under active development.and I also I am getting many issues with existing version.
I am thinking to analyz GWT 2.3, Smart GWT and Spring framework according ot requirement.But still I am bit confused what to do in this situation.If any one has idea about this situaion and give me some clear idea or comparison of technologies then It will very help ful for me.
Please help me.
Regarding migrating –
It wont be easy to migrate over to your existing code to plain gwt 2.3. ext uses different framework and classes that you will not find in the same way in gwt, you will have to end up re-coding A LOT of the things.
If you want to re-code, then the options are open to you-
Smart GWT is being actively developed and has a richer classier set of widgets for sure. However, I find the LGPL version documentation lacking and confusing, (if you go for the paid version then not an issue)
GWT 2.3 on the other hand has got mostly all widgets comparable to smartgwt (still missing stuff like inbuilt validation etc). I find it much lighter and more optimized than smartgwt. However, you may have to do a little more css work to get it looking as classy as smartgwt.
If you want an agressive set of good looking widgets, don’t mind a slightly heavy application, go with smart gwt. If you have time to code functionality and design urself, prefer a light application, go with gwt.
EDIT –
Browser compatibility
GWT- Very comprehensive, may face a little css niggles here and there.
Smart GWT- Fairly comprehensive, however, I have had to modify code etc to accomodate different versions of IE. ALSO – do not mix Smart GWT with GWT widgets!!! Its a compatibility nightmare, smartgwt isnt exactly an extension of gwt (smartgwt wraps a lot of native js code). You may end up seeing weird js errors which even the smartgwt team finds hard to debug – their advice – dont mix the widgets.
Mobile Compatibility
I have not worked on this aspect, however both are JS based and so should run on any mobile. You may have to figure out UI design elements and capturing natural touch events. Here I would still go with gwt for that fact that it is lighter. Maybe this will help – http://traceurl.blogspot.com/2010/11/state-of-gwt-for-mobile.html Not sure what support smart gwt has for specific mobile events.
Resolution Independence
Here Smart gwt wins hands down. Just declare widget sizes in %ages and let it do its magic. Not so straightforward with gwt where if you want resizability – you will have to capture resize events
Loading speed
GWT definitely is lighter and loads faster. You can also improve the loading speed of smart gwt, but you will have to work a little for that by deselecting code you dont use etc etc. If you are experienced in that, you may bring down the speed difference to negligible amounts.
Control Richness
Not sure what you are asking for, but if its richness of widget functionality, I will go with Smargwt (that is one thing that makes it heavier sadly).