Difference Between AWT and Swing In Java

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Mayank Dham

Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) play a crucial role in modern software development, allowing users to interact with applications effortlessly. In Java, developers have two main options for creating GUIs: AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) and Swing. While both frameworks serve the purpose of building user interfaces, they differ significantly in terms of architecture, components, customization, performance, event handling, and more. In this article, we will explore the in-depth differences between AWT and Swing, enabling developers to make an informed decision when choosing the appropriate GUI framework for their Java applications.

What is the difference between AWT and Swing in Java?

Here is a brief overview of the differences between each of them in terms of what they offer.

Java Swing Hierarchy

Java defines the class hierarchy for all the Swing Components, which is shown in the following image.

Code Implementation of Swing in Java

Code Implementation of Swing in Java

import java.awt.*;  
public class AwtApp extends Frame {  
AwtApp(){  
Label firstName = new Label("First Name");  
firstName.setBounds(20, 50, 80, 20);  
  
Label lastName = new Label("Last Name");  
lastName.setBounds(20, 80, 80, 20);  
  
Label dob = new Label("Date of Birth");  
dob.setBounds(20, 110, 80, 20);  
  
TextField firstNameTF = new TextField();  
firstNameTF.setBounds(120, 50, 100, 20);  
  
TextField lastNameTF = new TextField();  
lastNameTF.setBounds(120, 80, 100, 20);  
  
TextField dobTF = new TextField();  
dobTF.setBounds(120, 110, 100, 20);  
  
Button sbmt = new Button("Submit");  
sbmt.setBounds(20, 160, 100, 30);  
  
Button reset = new Button("Reset");  
reset.setBounds(120,160,100,30);  
  
add(firstName);  
add(lastName);  
add(dob);  
add(firstNameTF);  
add(lastNameTF);  
add(dobTF);  
add(sbmt);  
add(reset);  
  
setSize(300,300);  
setLayout(null);  
setVisible(true);  
}  
public static void main(String[] args) {  
// TODO Auto-generated method stub  
AwtApp awt = new AwtApp();  
  
}

Output

Code Implementation of AWT in Java

Code Implementation of AWT in Java

import java.awt.*;  
public class AwtApp extends Frame {  
AwtApp(){  
Label firstName = new Label("First Name");  
firstName.setBounds(20, 50, 80, 20);  
  
Label lastName = new Label("Last Name");  
lastName.setBounds(20, 80, 80, 20);  
  
Label dob = new Label("Date of Birth");  
dob.setBounds(20, 110, 80, 20);  
  
TextField firstNameTF = new TextField();  
firstNameTF.setBounds(120, 50, 100, 20);  
  
TextField lastNameTF = new TextField();  
lastNameTF.setBounds(120, 80, 100, 20);  
  
TextField dobTF = new TextField();  
dobTF.setBounds(120, 110, 100, 20);  
  
Button sbmt = new Button("Submit");  
sbmt.setBounds(20, 160, 100, 30);  
  
Button reset = new Button("Reset");  
reset.setBounds(120,160,100,30);  
  
add(firstName);  
add(lastName);  
add(dob);  
add(firstNameTF);  
add(lastNameTF);  
add(dobTF);  
add(sbmt);  
add(reset);  
  
setSize(300,300);  
setLayout(null);  
setVisible(true);  
}  
public static void main(String[] args) {  
// TODO Auto-generated method stub  
AwtApp awt = new AwtApp();  
  
}

Output

Conclusion
When it comes to developing GUIs in Java, choosing the right framework is crucial. Both AWT and Swing offer distinct features and capabilities that cater to different requirements. AWT’s peer-based architecture, platform-dependent appearance, and limited customization make it suitable for simpler applications that prioritize platform integration. On the other hand, Swing’s lightweight architecture, platform-independent look, extensive component library, and advanced customization options make it ideal for creating modern, feature-rich, and visually consistent applications across multiple platforms. By understanding the differences between AWT and Swing, developers can make an informed decision based on their specific project needs and the desired user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between AWT and Swing in Java?
AWT is based on a peer-based architecture, utilizing native platform components, while Swing follows a lightweight architecture with its own set of components. AWT has a platform-dependent look and feel, whereas Swing provides a platform-independent appearance.

2. Can I customize the components in AWT and Swing?
AWT has limited customization options, allowing basic modifications like size and color changes. In contrast, Swing offers extensive customization capabilities, enabling developers to change appearance, behavior, layout, and even create custom components.

3. Which GUI framework, AWT or Swing, offers better performance?
Swing generally provides better performance compared to AWT. Swing’s lightweight components and optimized rendering algorithms result in smoother UI rendering and improved overall performance.

4. Is event handling different in AWT and Swing?
Yes, event handling differs between AWT and Swing. AWT follows a simpler event handling model, where components directly register listeners. Swing, on the other hand, employs a more advanced event handling mechanism using event listeners and an event dispatching thread, allowing for more flexible and complex event management.

5. Are there any differences in documentation and community support for AWT and Swing?
Yes, there are differences in documentation and community support. Swing benefits from extensive documentation and a large community, with abundant online resources, tutorials, forums, and third-party libraries available. AWT, being older and less commonly used, has more limited documentation and community support.

Remember that choosing between AWT and Swing depends on your project’s requirements, platform compatibility, customization needs, and performance considerations. Evaluating these factors will help you decide which GUI framework is best suited for your Java application.