GWT Helper for VS Code
Streamline your GWT (Google Web Toolkit) development workflow with direct access to essential tools right from VS Code.
✨ Features
- Smart Project Detection - Automatic identification of GWT and Jetty projects in your workspace
- Integrated Development Tools - Seamlessly manage GWT DevMode and CodeServer
- Maven Integration - Execute Maven commands for GWT tasks with a single click
- Jetty Server Control - Start, stop, and monitor Jetty server instances
- Debugging Support - Integrated Chrome/Firefox debugging with source maps
- Intuitive UI - Dedicated sidebar for quick access to all functionality
🚀 Quick Start
- Install the extension from the VS Code Marketplace
- Open a folder containing GWT projects
- Click the GWT icon in the activity bar
- Select "Refresh Projects" to detect your GWT and Jetty projects
- Choose a project and start developing!
📋 Requirements
- Java JDK (Java 8 or newer)
- Maven (installed and available in PATH or configured in settings)
- GWT project with Maven configuration
🔧 Installation
- Launch VS Code
- Open Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
- Search for "GWT Helper"
- Click Install
📘 Detailed Usage
The extension adds a GWT icon to your activity bar that opens a sidebar with these features:
Global Actions
- 🔄 Refresh Projects - Scan workspace for GWT and Jetty projects
- ⏹️ Stop All - Terminate all running processes
- 🐞 Open Debug - Start a debugging session
- ⚙️ Configs - Access extension settings
Project-Specific Actions
For GWT Projects:
- ▶️/⏹️ DevMode - Start or stop GWT DevMode
- ▶️/⏹️ CodeServer - Manage Super Dev Mode
- ▶️/⏹️ Compile - Compile your GWT application
For Jetty Projects:
- ▶️/⏹️ Jetty - Control the Jetty web server
Command Palette Integration
Access all functions through the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) with these commands:
GWT: Refresh ProjectsGWT: Run/Stop CompileGWT: Init/Stop DevModeGWT: Init/Stop CodeServerGWT: Init/Stop JettyGWT: Stop AllGWT: Open DebugGWT: Show LogsGWT: Open Settings
🔍 Debugging
Integrated debugging support makes development easier:
- Start DevMode or CodeServer for your project
- Select "Open Debug" from the sidebar
- Choose your project
- Begin debugging with automatic source map configuration
⚙️ Configuration Options
| Setting |
Description |
Default |
gwtHelper.javaPath |
Java installation path |
java |
gwtHelper.mavenCommand |
Maven command or path |
"" (uses 'mvn') |
gwtHelper.devModeGoals |
Maven goals for DevMode |
gwt:devmode |
gwtHelper.codeServerGoals |
Maven goals for CodeServer |
gwt:codeserver |
gwtHelper.jettyGoals |
Maven goals for Jetty |
jetty:run |
gwtHelper.compileGoals |
Maven goals for compilation |
gwt:compile |
gwtHelper.debugUrl |
URL for debugging |
http://localhost:8080 |
gwtHelper.debugBrowser |
Browser for debugging |
chrome |
🔎 Advanced Features
Intelligent Process Management
- Automatic Port Detection - No manual configuration needed
- Integrated Logging - Color-coded output in VS Code terminals
- Error Handling - Detailed logs and troubleshooting suggestions
Project Detection Logic
The extension identifies:
- GWT Projects: Projects with
gwt-maven-plugin in pom.xml
- Jetty Projects: Projects with Jetty plugins in pom.xml
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Common Issues
- Maven not found - Ensure Maven is in PATH or configure path in settings
- Java issues - Verify correct Java path in settings
- Port conflicts - Check for processes using required ports
Debug Logs
If you encounter problems:
- Click "Show Logs" in the sidebar
- Review the output for errors and suggestions
📝 Release Notes
0.3.6
- Added process history and management
- Enhanced UI with statistics and process tracking
0.3.3
- Updated documentation
- Improved Java error detection and logging
0.3.2
- Added automatic port detection
- Enhanced UI with status indicators
0.3.1
- Fixed process management on Windows
- Improved project detection
0.3.0
- Added Jetty integration
- Enhanced debugger configuration
0.2.0
- Fixed debugger to handle projects inside and outside workspace
0.1.0
👥 Contributing
This extension is open source! Contributions are welcome on the GitHub repository.
📄 License
Licensed under the MIT License.
✍️ Author
Created by Rhuan Hianc
Note: This project is under active development. Feedback and contributions are appreciated!
Telemetry Temporary
This extension collects anonymous usage data to help improve the product. We only collect:
- Extension installs
- Extension activations
- Feature usage (e.g., compiling a project, running DevMode, etc.)
We do not collect any query content, database settings, or personal information.
You can disable telemetry in the extension settings or in VS Code.
