# XToolkit on Solaris/Linux

> Starting with JavaTM SE 5.0, AWT has been re-implemented on the Solaris and Linux platforms. The new `Toolkit` implementation provides the following advantages:
> - Removes the dependency on Motif and Xt libraries.
> - Interoperates better with other GUI Toolkits.
> - Provides better performance and quality.

> The new Toolkit (XToolkit) is default both on Linux and Solaris.

> ## Explicitly Setting the Toolkit

> You can explicitly set the toolkit for an applet or application using an environment variable or a system property. Keep in mind that the environment variable overrides the system property.

> - Setting the toolkit for an application:

>   - Using an environment variable. This needs to be set before starting the VM.

>          csh:
>          setenv AWT_TOOLKIT XToolkit #selects the XToolkit
>          setenv AWT_TOOLKIT MToolkit #selects the MToolkit

>          ksh/bash:
>          export AWT_TOOLKIT=XToolkit
>          export AWT_TOOLKIT=MToolkit

>   - Using a system property on the command line:

>          java -Dawt.toolkit=sun.awt.X11.XToolkit MyApp
>          java -Dawt.toolkit=sun.awt.motif.MToolkit MyApp

> - Setting the toolkit for an applet:

>   - Using an environment variable.

>     If the browser is started from a terminal window, the environment variable must be set in the terminal window before launching the browser. If the browser is launched from a desktop icon or menu, the toolkit for an applet cannot be set using an environment variable. The Java Plug-in Control Panel should be used instead.

>   - Using the Plug-in Control Panel:

>     - Launch the Java Plug-in Control Panel:

>           $java_home/bin/ControlPanel

>     - Add the system property to the Java Runtime Parameters field under the Advanced tab.

>           -Dawt.toolkit=sun.awt.X11.XToolkit
>           -Dawt.toolkit=sun.awt.motif.MToolkit