Java’s 30-year journey in User Interface (UI) development has shaped modern applications, and in this session, we’ll explore its evolution from the start. We'll examine each UI concept and the frameworks that have defined Java’s UI landscape. From the foundational AWT and Swing, to SWT, Servlets, JSP, and early web frameworks like Enhydra XMLC, Struts, and WebWork, through the emergence of JSF, AJAX, Wicket, Tapestry, GWT, and Vaadin, and finally to the influence of JavaScript libraries and Frameworks like jQuery, React, Vue, and Angular.

We’ll discuss why Java-based web UIs face challenges compared to JavaScript-driven options, and review web app architectures such as Monolithic, Micro-Frontends, and Self-Contained Frontends. We'll also consider key factors in selecting a UI framework today—when to opt for server-side, client-side, or a hybrid approach for web app development.

Finally, we’ll conclude with a look at the future of UI development, summarizing upcoming trends and innovations.