The GWT Designer is a better tool, I think. It is open source under the Apache 2 license. It was derived from Window Builder, built by Instantiations then bought by Google. It has a free stand alone version and an Eclipse plugin that lets you go from graphical design mode to editing text. Both the Designer and Window Builder use the Google Web Toolkit (GWT), where you graphically design or write Java but it gets compiled into Javascript (GWT). The GWT Designer now supports SmartGWT and EXT GWT, the two premier widget libraries for GWT. Check out the SmartGWT showcase. http://www.smartclient.com/smartgwt/showcase/ It is the slickest web UI framework I've seen. The first time it loads will take a while. SmartGWT has to download and cache all 8 MB of it's libraries, not just the ones it needs like GWT does. I asked instantiations why they did not fix this and was told it was not a low hanging fruit. They asked me to modularize the build for them but I haven't found the time yet. That was some time ago. Maybe someone else did it. Also, there are many tutorials out there for the GWT Designer.
GWT is a different paradigm, for sure and a bit scary. Program in java, use the AWT and Swing, but it gets, what did you say? COMPILED INTO JAVASCRIPT!!! You've got to be kidding? Well, I'm not. I have used it for a few applications and I am pleased and surprised at how mature the GWT and SmartGWT behave. The Designer is a bit flaky and is sensitive to version changes, both in itself and Eclipse. Two years ago was a different story, but today I use it in a production environment. I think Instantiations once had a pro version you could buy, maybe they still do? I seem to recall one of the Posse knows about GWT, was it Dick? (They probably all do, but Dick in particular? Does he love the GWT?) On Nov 2, 5:26 am, Jan Goyvaerts <[email protected]> wrote: > I've been "appointed" to introduce graphical user interface design in my > company. I'm more of an Enterprisy [sic] profile. So I'm a bit lost when it > comes to tools for visual design. It's destined for web applications. > > Is there anything someone in here would advise ? Wireframe design tools, > .... > > TIA !!! > > Jan -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
