How to Migrate a GWT 2.5 Web Application to Java 10

What are the steps to successfully migrate a GWT 2.5 web application to Java 10?

Migrating a Google Web Toolkit (GWT) application from version 2.5 to Java 10 involves multiple steps to ensure compatibility and performance. This guide provides a structured approach to navigate the migration process successfully.

// Example: Updating a GWT project configuration to use Java 10
<module>
    <inherits name='gwt-user'/>
    <inherits name='gwt-dev'/>
    <compiler>
        <sourceLevel>10</sourceLevel>
    </compiler>
</module>

Causes

• Incompatibility of Java versions due to API deprecations or removals
• GWT 2.5 is designed for older Java versions that may not work seamlessly with Java 10 features
• Changes in the Java ecosystem, including updates in libraries and dependencies

Solutions

• Update GWT to a newer version compatible with Java 10, such as GWT 2.8 or later.
• Review and refactor any deprecated APIs used in your application code.
• Check all third-party libraries for updates to versions that support Java 10.
• Test your application thoroughly after making changes to identify any runtime issues.

Mistake: Not updating dependencies that may not be compatible with Java 10.

Solution: Ensure all libraries and frameworks used in your project have been updated to their latest versions.

Mistake: Overlooking deprecated features that may cause runtime errors.

Solution: Conduct a comprehensive code review to identify any deprecated GWT APIs or Java features.

Mistake: Insufficient testing post-migration which may lead to undetected bugs.

Solution: Implement a thorough testing strategy including unit tests and integration tests.