Java Desktop application: SWT vs. Swing

java

gui-editors

performance-optimization

layout-management

byNikita Barsukov·Feb 26, 2025

Select SWT for enhanced native look and OS integration, dealing, though, with OS-specific libraries. Choose Swing for cross platform uniformity and freedom from extra libraries.

SWT: Native feel, requires OS-specific handling.
Swing: Cross-platform consistent UI, seamless Java.

Code snippet:

SWT's OS-specific window:

Display display = new Display();
Shell shell = new Shell(display);
// Code for visual setup and event loop not shown 
// (they got shy and hid backstage!)

Swing's cross-platform window:

JFrame frame = new JFrame("Title");
// A bunch of setup code omitted 
// (it's on a coffee break!)

Choose what syncs with your project needs: Native OS experience or uniformity across various platforms.

Practical advantages

Discussing Swing vs SWT, they each bring unique advantages to the table. Swing, backed by Oracle, provides NetBeans or Eclipse with inbuilt GUI editors. NetBeans features a drag-and-drop GUI builder, Matisse, making it more user-friendly.

SWT, supported by Eclipse, has its own GUI editor, Visual Editor Project (VEP). Although not as popularized as Swing’s editors, it is a viable tool for SWT development.

SWT allows mixing the use of AWT or Swing components with its AWT/SWT bridge, while Swing boasts the SwingX extension, providing advanced features and components.

Performance and compatibility

When it comes to performance and cross-compatibility, Swing offers a predictable look and feel across platforms but may need more resources due to its redraw strategies. SWT provides faster performance and an OS-specific feeling but requires handling native libraries. Therefore, considering Java VM compatibility is critical.

Extending functionality

Swing is modular, helpful for crafting reusable code and saving development time. Swing’s pluggable LookAndFeel gives freedom to thoroughly customize application aesthetics. Conversely, SWT shines where applications aim for a look and feel that completely mimics native applications.

Designing your layout

When considering layout management, Swing benefits from libraries like MigLayout and JGoodies Forms, enhancing its layout capabilities. Meanwhile, SWT developers have options like FillLayout, RowLayout, and GridLayout. Though effective, complex interfaces may need manual adjustments.

For applications that want modern, vibrant UIs, consider JavaFX (integrated with Swing via the JavaFX SwingNode). JavaFX offers enhanced visuals and easy integration with various design tools.

Frameworks and documentation

Frameworks like Griffon and Apache Pivot leverage Swing and provide additional widgets and UI components. These unique components can be decisive when Swing is preferred, but more turnkey functionality is desired.

Swing, well-documented by Sun/Oracle, is great for users valuing comprehensive resources guiding high-performance application development. SWT has a robust online community with plenty of examples and decentralized documentation.

Deployment

Swing’s bundling of necessary libraries streamlines the shipping process. Testing with various Java VM packages ensures broad compatibility, especially when system dependencies could be an issue.

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