This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz
by John Martin.
Original Post: Taking advantage of native UI
Feed Title: The Lone Programmer
Feed URL: http://www.lonepixel.com/loneprog/javablogs-index.rdf
Feed Description: Just another lazy programmer. (Java and UI Design channels only.)
"One of the biggest problems I have with SWT is that the implementation is not cross platform, but is a separate undertaking for each platform. This leads to wildly different user experiences!"
I haven't spent much time with SWT, but I get the feeling that the Linux and Mac implementations are not as tight as their Windows cousin. Obviously, that's annoying if you're not a Windows user. I disagree though that separate UI implementations for each platform it is a weakness of SWT. In fact, I would consider it a strength. The unique UI widgets and paradigms on OS X, like the Dock or sliding accessory windows, are a major part of the Mac experience. Similarly, when Longhorn is released I'm guessing there will be significant new interface enhancements. Despite the divergence of the platforms, this is a Good Thing(TM). There is no point having a shiny new G5 running a shiny new OS if you're just going to run apps with dumbed down Swing or AWT interfaces. (I admit it's a little unfair to call Swing "dumbed down" - it's more of UI platform in itself.)
I guess the choice comes down to having consistency in your app between platforms, or consistency between the apps on a particular platform. I choose the latter. Time to check out SWT I think.