Google's new free, open source Google Web Toolkit (GWT) aims to make it easier to create Ajax applications by creating a framework that unifies the client and server parts of an application into a single program written in Java. Not only are more developers familiar with Java, as opposed to JavaScript or ActionScript, but using one language allows client and server to share the code. GWT creates a hybrid environment that hosts the code in a shell that allows for easy debugging, setting of breakpoints and single stepping through the code, just like any other Java program, but all within an embedded web browser. Once the code has been debugged and tested, the GWT translates the code into JavaScript which can be loaded into the host HTML page. By default, the compiled JavaScript code is compressed for faster loading and run speeds, while maintaining several different browser and language specific versions. For purposes of designing the UI, GWT provides a variety of widgets that work the same way on all browsers. Although not all browser problems are eliminated, specifically some arising from Safari and Internet Explorer, the number of problems encountered are less than in other methods of Ajax development. GWT does not offer built in animation tools or effects libraries, but GWT can be used with third party JavaSript libraries like Script.aculo.us, YUI or Rico. GWT offers Remote Procedure Call (RPC) functionality minimizing the data sent and required processing power to retrieve image information as well as providing a cleanly defined API that can be used to support other image providers. GWT also does a good job integrating with the browser history, allowing users to navigate the application like a traditional website using back and forward buttons. GWT is a useful tool for creating Ajax programs in Java and compile them into JavaScript with a minimum of difficulty.