Eric Schreiner

Contecon Software GmbH

Groovy – A Language Introduction for Java Programmers

Yes, Groovy is just another scripting language – but from the perspective of a Java developer it offers a wide range of interesting functions and productivity advantages. Groovy includes features found in Python, Ruby, and Smalltalk, but uses syntax similar to the Java programming language, which eases the learning curve for Java developers significantly. As an agile dynamic language, Groovy can be used for developing web applications, writing shell scripts or even full-blown GUI applications. Because Groovy compiles into Java bytecode it can be easily integrated in existing Java projects as a powerful scripting language.

This session introduces all the basic language concepts such as closures, expandos and many more. This will be done by looking at a lot of sample code which may also be used as a starting point for your own experiments with Groovy. No experience with Groovy is assumed, although an understanding of Java would be helpful.

Groovy – Getting the Power Out of Groovy

This session covers more advanced features, like embedding Groovy in an Java Application or writing a Groovlet and integrating it into a Tomcat environment. During the session we'll cover the following topics:

• Embedding Groovy in a Java Application
• Groovlets – The Groovy Servlet
• GSQL – Groovy SQL
• Groovy XML
• Groovy SOAP
• GUI – Support (SWT and Swing)

To attend this session you should have a basic understanding of Groovy, or first attend the session “Groovy – A language introduction for Java Programmers,” for preparation.