Create a GWT Contact Application in 10 easy steps.

Google GWT and Spring Source have joined forces to make it easier to develop web applications by developing a tool which creates your data models, your web gui interface and all the web-server communication code in a few easy command line statements.  This was demo’d at Google IO 2010 and I aim to replicate the steps required here, including any pitfalls to help you jump start your GWT development.

SpringSource Tool Suite (STS) Is a flavor of Eclipse that includes all the necessary functionality to get this working.  At it’s core is a Roo Project where you create project and define entities using the Roo Shell.  This allows you to quickly get a Database, GWT Front End and connectivity code build without writing a single piece of code.

The source data and graphics for this article is from this web page.  I have outlined my steps taken when completing it and any pitfalls I came across.   http://www.thescreencast.com/2010/05/how-to-gwt-roo.html

The Steps REQUIRED

Step 1 : Setup your system

Download and setup Spring Source Tool Suite using the first screencast on this page:

http://www.thescreencast.com/2010/05/how-to-gwt-roo.html

Step 2 : New Roo Project

Enter Project Settings and Click Next

  

Click Finish, and Yes to Turn Weaving Service On

No to Restart Now

Step 3 : Goto Roo Shell

Ensure project is selected in Project Hierarchy

Setup Persistence

Step 4 : Create Employee Entity

 

Step 5 : Create Employee Entity Fields

Field firstName

Field lastName

Step 6 : Create GWT – Front End

Step 7 : Setup Google Web tool Kit Settings

Step 8 : Enable Maven Dependency

Step 9 : Run Project

Step 10 : Goto Browser

 

Pitfalls to watch out for

Enable Maven Dependency:  This is one of the last stages of the demo and in the screen case it appears to work instantly.  This is not the case.  You will notice Eclipse in a busy mode for a few minutes as it configures itself.

Additional Info

Video from Google IO demonstrating this feature: