Question: What are Groovy & Grails?

Answer: Groovy is a dynamic language built specifically for the Java Virtual Machine(JVM) that is inspired by languages such as Small Talk and Ruby, but targets tight Java integration. Groovy allows Java developers to become more productive by allowing a blended approach to software development by allowing Groovy to do the common repetitive tasks leaving Java to do the heavy lifting.

Grails is a web application framework built on Groovy that has the essence of other dynamic language frameworks like Ruby on Rails and TurboGears, but embraces Java EE and the technologies that help drive it such as Spring and Hibernate.

Q: Why should I be interested in Groovy & Grails?

A: The JVM as it stands today has become almost ubiquitous in the enterprise environment and immensely popular as a platform to deliver your web application form. However, Java as a programming language for the web has its weaknesses and in the productivity stakes is overshadowed by dynamic languages such as Python or Ruby. Grails offers an environment that is comparable to these stacks but lives as a first class citizen in your Java environment and can integrate with existing Java components and services. Groovy as a language can seamlessly integrate with your codebase and participate in your daily project work making you and your team more productive. The Grails eXchange 2007 aims to open the eyes of Java developers to the possibilities offered by Groovy & Grails.