GoogleWeb Toolkit

Had a look a t the Google Web Toolkit (GWT) in action. GWT is an open source Java software development framework that makes writing AJAX applications like Google Maps and Gmail easy for developers who don't speak browser quirks as a second language. I've played around with Javascript but find its lack of modularity a problem and testing a nightmare. With the rise of AJAX, one would like to do Javascript and now GWT lets you avoid the pain. You write your front end in Java programming and the GWT compiles your Java into Javascript and HTML. Very cool.

JavaOne

As usual, lots of activity at JavaOne. The main theme this year seems to be a recognition of the fact that scripting languages such a Ruby, Javascript, Groovy and others are enabling rapid deployment of applications and that Java needs to get on board this train. Many sessions dedicated to how to integrate scripting into the Java platform. One thing that got my attention was the Google Web toolkit, which allows developers to write Java code and have that code compiled into Javascript for use in AJAX styled applications. This alleviates the problem that plagues Javascript developers, namely how to maintain and debug their scripts. With the google toolkit, the Java developer can create and maintain Javascript without having to actually program in Javascript! Leave it to the folks at google!

Voice XML

Lately have been experimenting with Voice XML and its proving an interesting technology for voice-based apps. The hosting service from Voxeo (www.voxeo.com) provides free 800 and local numbers for developers to test their stuff. Will be doing a series of articles on VoiceXML for InformIT this summer. Stay tuned.