Java is a popular and in-demand programming language. It has formed the basis for developing various applications. It is a versatile language and can be easily customized. The language is reliable and fast and caters to functions like web service, android applications, and others. The two common ways to develop GUI (Graphical User Interface) based applications are AWT and Swing.
Key Takeaways
- AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) is a Java GUI framework with a limited set of components and less flexibility in design.
- Swing, an extension of AWT, offers a wider range of components, improved customization, and a more modern look and feel.
- Both frameworks facilitate the creation of graphical user interfaces, but Swing is the preferred choice for modern Java applications.
AWT vs Swing
The difference between AWT and Swing is that AWT of Java is the original windowing and user interface widget toolkit, which is platform-dependent, while Swing is a special GUI widget toolkit in Java. Swing is an extension of AWT and is built on AWT.
AWT stands for Abstract Window Toolkit. Sun Microsystems devised the API in the year 1995. It is generated by the operating system of the system’s host. The function of AWT is used to design and manage GUI. The major components of AWT are buttons, radio buttons, checkboxes, choice buttons, labels, and text fields.
On the other hand, Swing has lightweight components, which have wider functionality and execute within a short period. Swing of Java actively supports MVC patterns. The major components of Swing are Imagelcon, JButton, JLabel, JTextfield, JRadiobutton, JCheckbox, JPasswordField, JList, JFileChooser, JComboBox, JTabbedPane, JSlider, and others.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | AWT | Swing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is an API that is used to develop applications in Java | It is a part of JFC that is used to create numerous applications |
| Nature of components | The components of AWT are platform-dependent | The components of Swing are platform-independent |
| Type | The components of AWT are heavily weighted | The components of Swing are lightly weighted |
| Dependency on platform | AWT components are platform-dependent | Swing components are platform-independent |
| MVC pattern | AWT does not support the MVC pattern | Swing supports MVC pattern |
What is AWT?
AWT was launched and developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995. The full form of AWT is Abstract Window Toolkit. It is an API that is used to develop GUI and is platform-dependent. The system host of the operating system generates it. It is heavy, and it contains a huge number of classes, functions, and methods that are efficient in the management and creation of GUI.
To develop an AWT-based GUI, the programmer has to import packages like java. awt. The components of AWT are heavy and require considerably large memory space. The execution time and speed of AWT are slow to medium-paced. AWT of Java has a moderate quality of components.
AWT requires a native operating system to implement all the functionalities. The components of AWT offer features like dialogues, buttons, lists, scroll bars, text fields, panels, and many other features. AWT Java also provides the required space for any component to load. It has the potential to look different from every other operating system.
AWT provides two levels of API – a general interface and a basic set of GUI widgets. AWT also offers some functionalities that can be considered high-level, like access to the system tray and the potential to launch desktop applications from Java applications.
What is Swing?
Swing is a GUI of Java that is used in the creation of other applications. Swing is written in Java language. It is platform-independent and allows the users to make scroll bars and buttons for the application. It also provides various packages that can help manage and create desktop applications in Java. Swing is a part of JFC (Java Foundation Classes).
Swing is a widget toolkit and is built as an extension of AWT. It was built on top of the Java AWT. The components of Swing offer functions like buttons, labels, and text boxes. It also provides advanced-level components like tables, tabbed panes, trees, etc. The components of Swing are more sophisticated than other toolkits of Java.
The Swing also has numerous classes like JTable, JTextArea, JButton, JList, JCheckBox, and others. The components are lightweight and do not require much memory space. This further makes the functions execute faster and more efficiently within a short time. Swing has the inculcation of an MVC pattern (Model View Controller), which helps to maintain the code easily.
To import Swing Java, the programmers use packages like javax. swing. This is the method to write a Swing application. The Swing toolkit of Java was launched in the market in the beta stage in 1997 and later in full form in March 1998.
Main Differences Between AWT and Swing
- The function of AWT is to develop GUI applications in Java, while the function of Swing is to create numerous applications.
- AWT has heavy API components, while Swing has lightweight API components.
- AWT has fewer functions and methods, while Swing has more functions when compared to AWT.
- The time of execution in Java AWT is more, while the time of execution in Java Swing is comparatively less.
- The components of AWT are less powerful and platform-dependent, while the components of Swing are more powerful and platform-independent.
- The look and feel of AWT are not pluggable, while the look and feel of Swing are pluggable.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=lang_en&id=YPjZNlEgAMcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR19&dq=awt+and+swing&ots=GR6rh0dWf8&sig=1GDJeBLEi3NHQtFTWdNu41jl-hA
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/spe.920
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Java is an incredible language and it’s great to see an article that explains the importance of Java, AWT and Swing in such a detailed and precise manner. These are all important tools for developers and this post does a fantastic job of explaining the difference between AWT and Swing.
I completely agree, Fred. It’s refreshing to see content that is both informative and well-written.
This article really goes above and beyond in comparing AWT and Swing, and provides great insights on both technologies. A great read for anyone interested in Java development.
The comprehensive comparison between AWT and Swing in this article is extremely useful for developers seeking to understand the best approach for GUI-based Java applications.
Absolutely, Hmiller. The clarity of this article’s comparison is commendable, serving as a vital resource for those embarking on Java application development.
This piece truly puts the spotlight on the strengths of both AWT and Swing, offering invaluable insights for developers navigating Java’s GUI frameworks.
The informative analysis of AWT and Swing in this article solidifies Java as a cornerstone of application development, offering a comprehensive understanding of the language’s GUI frameworks.
Absolutely, Kieran. The article serves as an invaluable guide for developers leveraging Java and its GUI capabilities.
Indeed, Kieran. The deep dive into AWT and Swing showcases the depth and breadth of Java’s offerings in creating impactful applications.
While AWT and Swing are both significant in the world of Java development, I believe Swing’s platform-independence and sophisticated components make it the optimal choice for modern applications.
I concur, Bennett. The superiority of Swing’s lightweight and powerful components is clearly highlighted in this article.
The detailed explanation of AWT and Swing in this article further accentuates the incredible flexibility and utility of Java in modern software development.
The in-depth comparison of AWT and Swing truly underscores the dynamic nature of Java’s capabilities in creating versatile applications. A truly enlightening read.
Couldn’t agree more, Ashley. This article is a testament to the adaptability and robustness of Java’s GUI frameworks.
I appreciate the clear and concise comparison between AWT and Swing. This is a must-read for anyone looking to develop applications using Java.
Exactly, Rachel. The thorough analysis of AWT and Swing in this article is truly valuable to the Java development community.
Couldn’t have said it better, Rachel. This article really serves as an excellent resource for developers at all levels of expertise.
This article is an exemplary demonstration of the importance of Java in today’s software development landscape. A great resource for developers and enthusiasts alike.
This article truly shines a light on the significance and adaptability of Java’s AWT and Swing in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.
Well said, Jacob. The depth of insight provided by this article is a testament to the enduring relevance of Java and its GUI frameworks.