Part 2. Task-specific Issues

Now that you have the basics down, we move on to more task-specific issues you will face. Getting GWT integrated into your existing development environment can seem daunting. To help you out we are going to look at a number of common integration points.

First we will look at using the Java Persistence API (JPA) to build a simple GWT application. Since this is step zero for much of a developer’s job, it is important to get a handle on these issues. As we move through part 2, we will look at techniques and issues surrounding server communications, integration with legacy JavaScript code, building, unit testing and continuous integration of your projects. Along the way we will introduce GWT into your favorite development tools and IDEs. While the problem-solution format this part follows might give you the impression of a simple cookbook, we hope you will give it at least one good read through, as each chapter addresses not just the specific problems or tasks presented, but provides a grounding in the design issues associated with integration of GWT into your current environment.