Does GWT eliminate the need for web developers?

Question

I am an interface developer (html, css, js), and it looks like my group will use the GWT infrastructure for a web application, which is pretty much the only product I have been hired for. from what I see, it’s valid for Java developers to create applications that then create JavaScript that displays the page.

Should I seriously start looking for another job? Should I be a Java developer now?

Answer 1

If your company is happy with the default GWT presentation or library for GWT, the requirements for custom html / css / javascript are likely to be significantly less noticeable.

However, if they want applications to look a very specific way, they still need someone who has your skills (perhaps more than before). If you know what you are doing now, plus some GWT / Java, you will be invaluable to truly customize the look of the GWT application, which you need to understand on both sides. The bottom line is that learning GWT / Java is a really good idea for someone in your position, fortunately you can skip a lot of what most Java developers need to know and just learn how to use GWT.

Good luck

Answer 2

I don’t know the strengths / weaknesses of your group, but to a large extent the meaning of GWT is to eliminate the complexity of programming in Javascript and the possibility of using Java. I didn’t have Javascript knowledge when I started using GWT 9 months ago and pretty much have no Javascript knowledge - I don’t need it. Of course, I started using some Javascript wrappers, but this is a small subset of GWT.

CSS, on the other hand, is vital to any GWT application. It defines almost everything about the placement and appearance of everything in the application. Yes, it can also be done programmatically (although it shouldn't), but CSS is still the foundation of how everything appears and is placed. For direct HTML, you do not need much - I use divs, but everything else is a GWT widget.

Note: all of this is based on my first (and only) current GWT application at the enterprise level, for which I am the only developer. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Yes and no. GWT, of course, does not eliminate the need for someone good in CSS, and depending on the development pattern your team adheres to, it is still necessary to create HTML code with it.

All that said, if you are familiar with JavaScript, most likely you can easily find work with GWT, and for large projects, Java languages ​​have a number of great advantages over JavaScript.

Answer 4

You are viewing 3 options (based on your information):

• learn Java to compliment your solid skill to become an experienced front-end GWT developer;
• continue to do what you are doing on your current job: without Java, you are looking at the very limited role of a user interface designer, primarily using GWT UIBinder / CSS / HTML and possibly JavaScript;
• find another job.