Peter, the SWG is the result of exploratory research work into rich client programming models and how to facilitate the development of rich graphical applications. The focus in this was for business graphic applications, such as dashboards, and the goal was to look at integrated programming models combining both traditional widgets and vector graphics. As a result SWG is built upon SWT and its graphics are based on the same class hierarchy and the same function/API. At the most basic level you can add an Ellipse, add listeners, put a tooltip on it, a pop-up menu etc just as you would do with say a Button using the identical methods. The new vector graphics controls are first class citizens there with Button, Label etc. You can use the same layout classes etc etc. Beyond this there are new methods for the graphics, which, could potentially apply to an as yet undesigned future form of vector graphic based widgets. Also there is an animation framework that works on all controls - and since SWG is integrated with SWT the animations apply equally to both the new SWG and existing SWT controls, e.g. one can animate the position and size of a Button as easily as you can an Ellipse.
