Java GUI frameworks. What to choose? Swing, SWT, AWT, SwingX, JGoodies, JavaFX, Apache Pivot?

There are several Java GUI frameworks available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular ones:

  • Swing: Swing is a mature and widely-used GUI framework that is included with the Java Standard Edition. It is highly customizable and has a wide range of components and features. However, it has a somewhat complex architecture and can be slower than some of the newer frameworks.

  • AWT: AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) is the original GUI framework for Java. It is included with the Java Standard Edition and is used by many applications. However, it is considered to be outdated and less powerful than newer frameworks.

  • JavaFX: JavaFX is a modern and powerful GUI framework that is designed for building rich, cross-platform applications. It has a wide range of components and features and is suitable for building both desktop and mobile applications.

  • SWT: SWT (Standard Widget Toolkit) is a GUI framework developed by Eclipse. It is designed to be fast and lightweight, and it is used by many Eclipse-based applications. It has a wide range of components and features, but it is less customizable than some of the other frameworks.

  • SwingX: SwingX is an extension of the Swing framework that provides additional components and features. It is less widely used than Swing, but it can be a good choice if you need advanced features that are not available in Swing.

  • JGoodies: JGoodies is a set of libraries and tools for building Java applications with a consistent look and feel. It includes layout managers, components, and other features that can make it easier to build professional-looking applications.

  • Apache Pivot: Apache Pivot is a GUI framework that is designed to be lightweight and easy to use. It has a small footprint and a simple architecture, making it a good choice for building simple applications.

Ultimately, the choice of GUI framework depends on your specific needs and requirements. You should consider factors such as the complexity of your application, the platform(s) you need to support, the performance requirements, and the look