The Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) supports Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming. AWT features include:

• A set of native user interface components
• A robust event-handling model
• Graphics and imaging tools, including shape, color, and font classes
• Layout managers, for flexible window layouts that do not depend on a particular window size or screen resolution
• Data transfer classes, for cut-and-paste through the native platform clipboard

The Swing classes are built on top of the AWT architecture.

API Specification

• API Reference
• Focus Model Specification

Tutorials and Programmer's Guides

• The Swing Tutorial touches on parts of the AWT that support the Swing architecture:
  • Introduction to Event Listeners
  • Top-Level Containers and the Containment Hierarchy
  • Laying out Components in a Container/a>
  • Modality, Splash Screen, Desktop, and System Tray
• Full-Screen Exclusive Mode API
• How to Create Translucent and Shaped Windows

API Enhancements

• AWT Enhancements in Java SE 7
• AWT Enhancements in the Java SE 6.0
• AWT Enhancements in the Java SE 5.0
• AWT Enhancements in the Java SE 1.4

More Information

• XAWT
• AWT Native Interface
• Drag and Drop and Data Transfer
• Java 2D Graphics and Imaging
• Java SE 8 Client Technologies