Can I build a GUI application with SWING only without [import java.awt.*;]

Question

I have seen several threads (in forums), books and tutorials about SWING and I see that they all mix SWING with AWT (I mean they import both Swing and AWT in their code).
The conclusion that comes out is:
It is good to learn about SWING and forget AWT as it won't be supported later. I have decided to do so, and I never include <<import java.awt.*;>> in my code.
But I see that you cannot do much without <<import java.awt.*;>>. For example this line which changes the background color:
<<frame.getContentPane().setBackground(Color.red)>>
works only with <<import java.awt.*;>>. I have seen that codes in this and other forums import awt to change the background. Why is that?
After all, I wonder, what can I do;
My question is, can I change the background (and of course do all other things listener, buttons etc) without using <<import java.awt.*;>>.
I would like to avoid using <<import java.awt.*;>> and using awt since my program will not work later.
In addition, I believe there is no point to learn awt, which later will not exist.
I know, I must have misunderstood something. I would appreceate it very much, if anyone could give me even a short answer.
Thank you in advance,
JMelsi

Answer 1

Since swing is a layer on top of awt, AWT will exist for as long as swing does.
If sun does ever remove AWT they will have to replace it something else swing can layer on to and you will probably only have to replace your import statements.
The main difference is the way there drawn to the screen.
You can do custom drawing on swing components but you can't on AWT.
If your using a desktop PC system it's probably best to use swing just in case you wish to do some custom drawing.
awt uses less memory than swing and is faster but swing can be extended. awt comes only as standard.
Say for example you wish to implement a JButton with a ProgressBar below the button text, this can be done with swing!