What serves as a bridge between the user and the application functionality, making the interaction more intuitive and efficient? A well-designed GUI, of course.
Each of them has something in particular to it, making it fit exactly into each specific use case scenario.
If you are looking into custom python software development, there are countless options to use specific libraries and frameworks which enable quality GUIs tailored specifically to your purpose. This article overviews some of your options, use it to pick optimum solutions for the projects you have in mind.
What is a GUI and why does it matter?
GUI is a tool you use to interact with digital products. A GUI includes everything a user is seeing, from icons and buttons, to diagrams, text, and input fields. Such interactions are made possible with a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen.
Not only does a GUI simplify data input or feature selection, it also makes interacting with the software intuitive even for users who do not have the specific set of skills required for doing so.
Python programming has a wide range of options to create a best python user interface possible:
- Python is known for its readability and a concise syntax, leading to simpler coding and debugging.
- Python has a wide selection of libraries used to develop GUIs, including Tkinter, PyQt, or Kivy, enabling both the simpler, and the complex interfaces alike.
- Python scripts may be used within different operating systems without the need to modify them in any way. This is particularly useful for interface development when users need to be able to use them on different platforms.
What to look for when choosing a python GUI library
When selecting a library to make a python GUI, consider a few aspects which might be relevant to you:
- Cross-platform compatibility. When this is relevant to you, you need to make sure that the framework you choose works in Windows, macOS, and Linux, for instance PyQt, or wxPython.
- It’s better to use well documented libraries maintained by active communities, such as Tkinter, or PyQt, with the associated numerous training materials and code examples.
- Python versions and extensions. Make sure the library supports your specific version of Python, as well as the relevant extensions, such as OpenGL, or GTK. PyQt, for instance, integrates well with various extensions.
- Define which interface elements you need (such as buttons, drop-down menus, or fields to fill). PyQt and wxPython offer a rich widget set to satisfy every need.
- IF you are planning to use these frameworks commercially, you need to pay attention to the licensing conditions. Tkinter is a part of a standard Python library (with a free license), while PyQt requires a commercial license for commercial use.
Seek a balance between these factors in view of the specific project you are building to create best GUI libraries for python.
Top GUI libraries for Python
Python offers many libraries usable to create all kinds of GUIs, each of them with specific advantages and downsides. Let’s take a look at the three best GUI packages for python.
Each solution can be beneficial in view of the purpose your project aims at fulfilling. Tkinter presents an easy way to start, while PyQt and PySide offer a powerful set of tools to build professional solutions, and while Kivy is aimed at creating mobile and cross-platform applications utilising touch sensor capabilities.
| Library | Purpose | Advantages | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tkinter: | Provides access to basic toolset to create windows, buttons, input fields, and other interface elements.
|
Intuitive interface. Built into the Python standard library framework, does not require a separate installation.
|
limited capabilities in creating complex interfaces, an outdated visual style.
|
| PyQt and PySide | Great for large professional projects requiring complex customizable interfaces.
|
Software can be developed in one and deployed in other platforms without requiring changes to the code.
Supports 3D graphics, multimedia elements, complex widgets and interface themes. |
PyQt is available with both a commercial license and the GPL, while PySide offers only an LGPL, which makes it more preferable for closed projects.
PyQt has a wide and active community providing regular updates.
|
| Kivy | Great for projects requiring multi touch interfaces with software to be deployed across different types of devices, including mobile ones.
|
Cross-platform compatibility for many platforms, including mobile devices.
Developed to accommodate touch capabilities for mobile use. |
Other Notable Python GUI Libraries
Besides the better known Python GUI libraries, there are other intriguing options offering unique development opportunities, namely wxPython and Dear PyGui.
wxPython: A Universal Cross-Platform Option
wxPython is a wrapper for the wxWidgets library which offers a toolset to create native-looking interfaces for each of the platforms. This approach lets wxPython applications look like they are native to Windows, macOS or Linux, without having to mess with the app styles.
The main advantage behind this option is a well-developed community and comprehensive structured documentation.
This solution is perfect for developers looking to balance complexity and functionality.
Dear PyGui: a Modern Take on GUI Development
Dear PyGui is a more recent library utilizing GPU acceleration for higher productivity and smoother operations. It uses a declarative interface, which simplifies interface development. Its main advantages, such as higher performance and ease of use come directly from that feature.
It is ideal for small and medium projects placing value on performance and simplicity in development.
How to Choose the Best GUI Library for Your Project
Here is a little step by step guide to help you when picking a library to base your decision on what is the best GUI for Python solution to fit your purpose.
Step 1. Define the Requirements for Your Project
If you just need a simple interface, the libraries with just a basic toolset will serve your purpose. More complicated interfaces with diverse features will require something more powerful.
Define which platforms you want your application to be usable at (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, web). If you are planning to deploy on various platforms, cross platform capabilities become critical.
Step 2. Align Your Requirements with Library Capabilities
After you define your requirements, compare them against various GUI library capabilities:
- Tkinter is great for small projects and newbies alike.
- PyQt/PySide provide a powerful toolset to create professional interfaces supporting complex functions, as well cross-platform capabilities.
- Kivy will be an ideal choice to create mobile and cross-platform apps, keeping in mind the touch sensor support.
- wxPython provides a balance between complexity and feature richness, having native-like interfaces fitting into each platform.
- Dear PyGui is best for projects where performance and simplicity of the design process are vital.
Evaluate the available documentation and the community support. The documentation must be structured and detail the basic, as well as advanced features of the library.
An active community is your source of help when you encounter problems, as well as a chance to obtain additional resources, such as code examples, extensions, and instruments.
A word of advice: when looking for the best GUI framework for Python, start with the simpler libraries before you go to the more complex ones.
Newcomers or people working on time-pressing projects can start with a simpler library, such as Tkinter to get them going in GUI design, or create a working prototype.
After going through the basics, you can move on to the libraries providing greater functionalities, such as PyQt/PySide, especially when your project requires more complex features.
Conclusion
Python has demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness not only in the areas of data analysis, machine learning, and web development, but also in the creation of graphical interfaces. The variety of Python GUI libraries provides developers with a wide range of tools that can be adapted to specific tasks and requirements to create your own top Python GUI.