Cross-Platform GUI: Compatible Windows & Linux Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a cross-platform solution for developing a GUI program that can run on both Windows and Linux. Participants explore various frameworks and libraries suitable for creating a wrapper to multithread loops and automate tasks, considering the implications of licensing and ease of use.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the need for a compatible GUI solution across Windows and Linux, questioning whether they need to code separately for each platform.
  • Another participant lists several options including wxWidgets, Qt, Tkinter, and Gtk+, suggesting Tkinter for its portability despite its aesthetic limitations.
  • A different participant proposes Java and its SWING interface as an additional option for cross-platform GUI development.
  • One participant reiterates the ease of use of Qt and mentions its cross-platform threading capabilities, while also noting the licensing requirements (GPL or paid license).
  • Another participant echoes the previous point about Qt and contrasts it with wxWidgets, which they claim allows for both GPL and commercial usage without cost.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best frameworks for cross-platform GUI development, with no consensus reached on a single preferred solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various frameworks without resolving the implications of licensing and aesthetic considerations for each option. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the best approach to take.

Who May Find This Useful

Developers interested in cross-platform GUI programming, particularly those working with Python, Java, or looking for licensing options for their projects.

CRGreathouse
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I'm thinking about writing a GUI program (a wrapper to multithread loops and automate tasks) and I was wondering if there was a way to do this in a compatible way across Windows and Linux. You see, I'm running XP at home now but I think I may convert to Xubuntu in the near future. Should I just resign myself to coding this twice, or is there a way to do what I want?
 
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Plenty of ways. wxWidgets, Qt, Tkinter, Gtk+, and so on. If Python is sufficient to act as a wrapper for your code, Tkinter would probably be the quickest way of doing things in a very portable manner (although it won't look beautiful).
 
In addition to shoehorn's suggestions, I would like to suggest Java and it's SWING interface.
 
shoehorn said:
Plenty of ways. wxWidgets, Qt, Tkinter, Gtk+, and so on. If Python is sufficient to act as a wrapper for your code, Tkinter would probably be the quickest way of doing things in a very portable manner (although it won't look beautiful).

I'll look into Tkinter, thanks.
 
Qt is pretty easy to use and includes a crossplatform threading library, unfortunately you must either GPL your code or pay for a development license.
 
Coin said:
Qt is pretty easy to use and includes a crossplatform threading library, unfortunately you must either GPL your code or pay for a development license.

WxWidgets allow you to use it for both GPL and commercial usage for free.
 

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