Question

I’m starting a new Java project and it seems to me that the most prevailing UI technologies are jQuery UI vs Vaadin (or GWT).

Is there any guidelines on how to choose the most appropriate UI framework, any advantages and advantages that can be noted here.

For example using Vaadin is like developing a desktop application comparable to developing Java Swing applications which different to using jQuery.

But I would appreciate any additional thoughts regarding this.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I don’t know Vaadin, I know Java, programmed a little in GWT and I know jQuery quite well. So here is my 2 cents about it:

Bottom line is – I find it much easier to develop client side GUI with pure HTML/jQuery.

1. GWT promises support for all browsers, jQuery does it too.
2. GWT enables you to use a familiar language (java) instead of learning a new one (jQuery) – here we can debate, but if you are also familiar with jQuerythen this is not really an advantage, if not, then i think learning jQuery is much easier then learning GWT framework.
3. I think GWT adds a lot of unnecessary complexity to a project (new compiler, new set of SDKs, new errors, new way for debugging).
4. There are great tools for debugging javascript/ajax and when using GWT you mostly unable to use them. You’ll have to use Eclipse debug mechanism which might be a bit cumbersome.
5. Deploying changes in GWT take much more time then regular HTML/javascript project, this means longer development time.
6. If you are using another FW in your application (like Spring, Hibernate), mixing them with GWT FW can create a coding/maintenance hell (I’m talking from experience).

Like I said, I don’t know Vaadin, so I can’t comment on that, but I strongly suggest you at least give jQuery a shot.