13 Python Developers Must Know: The Best Python GUI Libraries
Python, a high-level programming language first published in 1991 by Guido van Rossum, has become a staple in the world of software development. Its design focuses on readability of code, making it an ideal choice for developers of all levels. With a vast standard library and dynamic type system, Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including Object-Oriented, Imperative, Functional, and Procedural programming.
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
A GUI is a human-computer interaction interface that uses windows, icons, and menus to facilitate interaction between humans and computers. It can be operated using a mouse and keyboard, making it an essential component of modern software applications. When building a GUI program, it is generally used in a layered manner, with graphical control elements directly added together.
Python GUI Libraries
When using Python to write applications, a GUI library is a necessity. Python GUI libraries provide a wide range of features and functionalities, making it easier to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. There are over 30 cross-platform frameworks available for Python, but here are the top 13 GUI libraries that every Python developer must know:
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Tkinter: A lightweight cross-platform GUI development tool that is the standard Python interface for most Unix platforms, Windows, and Macintosh systems.
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Flexx: A Python-based GUI library that uses Web technology to create cross-platform applications. It only requires Python and a browser to run.
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CEF Python: A framework based on Google Chromium, primarily used for embedding browsers in third-party applications.
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Dabo: A cross-platform application development framework that provides database access, business logic, and user interface capabilities.
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Kivy: A framework that uses OpenGL ES 2 to create cross-platform applications. It is event-driven and based on a main loop, making it suitable for game development.
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Pyforms: A GUI application development framework that runs across the Python 2.7/3.x environment.
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PyGObject: A library that allows developers to write Python applications for the GNOME project and use GTK+ applications written in Python.
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PyQt: A cross-platform framework written in C++ that provides a comprehensive library with many tools and APIs.
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PySide: A “C++” application framework that provides a user interface (UI) for languages other than Python. It is a commercial alternative to PyQt.
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PyGUI: A library that minimizes the amount of code between applications and the underlying platform, providing support for Unix, Macintosh, and Windows platforms.
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libavg: A third-party library written in C++ that provides display elements in the form of variable Python, an event processing system, timer, and support for logging.
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PyGTK: A “GTK+” package used in Linux that provides a stable operation over various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and MacOS.
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wxPython: A Python language GUI graphics library that allows developers to easily create a complete, full-function GUI user interface.
These GUI libraries cover the needs of most developers, and choosing the right one depends on individual needs and preferences. By knowing these 13 Python GUI libraries, developers can create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces that meet the demands of modern software applications.