If I want to implement Ajax and have the back/forward button and also a unique URL for everything fully working, should I use Google Web Toolkit or really simple history?
Do they provide both these things?
It would be nice if someone with experience from these tools could share your thoughts.
EDIT: is there a difference between Google Web Toolkit and Google Webmaster Tools?
Google Web Toolkit (GWT) is not related to Google Webmaster Tools. GWT is a framework that compiles Java code into Javascript, and it does provide Ajax as well as the ability to handle back/forward button events.
GWT is a comprehensive framework and I’ve seen it work very well. If you’re willing to use a whole framework (and have enough time to learn how to use it), then I’d say give it a try, you might really like it. However, if you were looking for a simple solution to add Ajax and back/forward handling to an existing site (or even a new site), I’d suggest taking a look at a library like jQuery instead.
Here’s a SO thread that discusses dealing with back button functionality in jQuery.