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Google Web Toolkit
What it is
Google Web Toolkit (GWT) is an open-source Java framework for writing AJAX web applications. Its compiler converts Java applications into browser-compliant JavaScript and HTML for production use, while the SDK supplies core libraries and the compiler. Deferred binding generates browser-specific code at compile time, and the compiler can create separate application versions for different browsers and languages. Applications can communicate asynchronously with servers using GWT RPC or JSON. The Eclipse plugin provides IDE support for GWT projects and offers an option to install the SDK. The developer guide covers deployment to Google App Engine, unit testing with JUnit, and code coverage with Emma. Documentation also includes SafeHtml guidance for XSS prevention and GWT RPC XSRF protection. GWT is available under the Apache 2.0 license for non-commercial, commercial, and enterprise applications. Version 2.13.1 is listed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The webAppCreator utility is deprecated starting with version 2.11.0. Development mode and the compiler periodically send Google a timestamp ID and product version; Google says cookies and personal information are not logged.
For and against
For
- Compiles Java applications into browser-compliant JavaScript and HTML.
- Deferred binding generates browser-specific code at compile time.
- Supports asynchronous communication through GWT RPC or JSON.
- Apache 2.0 license permits commercial use.
- Version 2.13.1 is listed for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Against
- The webAppCreator utility is deprecated from version 2.11.0.
- Development mode and compiler periodically send product telemetry.
The verdict
GWT provides a Java-based path to browser applications, with compiler, SDK, and Eclipse support. Developers should note the deprecated webAppCreator utility and the documented telemetry behavior.
Who it suits
GWT suits developers building AJAX applications in Java for browser deployment. It may also fit teams looking for an Apache 2.0-licensed framework with Eclipse support and documented testing guidance.
Plans and prices
Free
Open source · Apache 2.0 license
Read 30 Sep 2026 · gwtproject.org
On the record
- Commercial use
- GWT is available for non-commercial, commercial, and enterprise applications under the Apache 2.0 license.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Compilation
- The GWT compiler translates Java applications into browser-compliant JavaScript and HTML for production deployment.support.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Core SDK
- The GWT SDK contains the core libraries and compiler needed to write web applications.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Current limitation
- Starting with GWT 2.11.0, the webAppCreator utility is deprecated.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Deferred binding
- Deferred binding generates browser-specific code at compile time so only the needed version is downloaded and executed.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Google App Engine
- The developer guide includes instructions for deploying a GWT application to Google App Engine.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- IDE integration
- The GWT Eclipse Plugin provides IDE support for GWT projects and includes Eclipse tools with an option to install the SDK.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Internationalization
- GWT's compiler can generate separate application versions for different browsers and languages.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Latest release
- Version 2.13.1 was built on June 19, 2026.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Google Web Toolkit is an open source Java software development framework for writing AJAX applications.support.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security guidance
- GWT documentation provides SafeHtml guidance for XSS prevention and GWT RPC XSRF protection.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Server communication
- GWT supports asynchronous server communication using GWT RPC or JSON.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Questions can be posted to the GWT developer discussion group on Google Groups, where the engineering and operations team participates.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported desktop systems
- The version 2.13.1 package is listed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Telemetry
- GWT development mode and compiler periodically send a timestamp ID and product version to Google, while Google says it does not log cookies or personal information.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Testing
- The developer guide includes unit testing with JUnit and code coverage with Emma.gwtproject.org · read 30 Sep 2026
