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GTK vs Qt

Developers should learn GTK when building native desktop applications, especially for Linux environments where it is the standard for many distributions like GNOME meets developers should learn qt when building cross-platform desktop applications, embedded systems, or mobile apps that require a consistent ui across windows, macos, linux, android, and ios. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

GTK

Developers should learn GTK when building native desktop applications, especially for Linux environments where it is the standard for many distributions like GNOME

GTK

Nice Pick

Developers should learn GTK when building native desktop applications, especially for Linux environments where it is the standard for many distributions like GNOME

Pros

  • +It is ideal for creating lightweight, performant GUIs with a consistent look and feel across platforms, and is commonly used in open-source projects such as GIMP, Inkscape, and GNOME applications
  • +Related to: c-programming, glib

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Qt

Developers should learn Qt when building cross-platform desktop applications, embedded systems, or mobile apps that require a consistent UI across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS

Pros

  • +It is particularly valuable for projects needing high performance, native integration, and extensive widget libraries, such as in automotive, medical devices, or industrial automation software
  • +Related to: c-plus-plus, qml

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use GTK if: You want it is ideal for creating lightweight, performant guis with a consistent look and feel across platforms, and is commonly used in open-source projects such as gimp, inkscape, and gnome applications and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Qt if: You prioritize it is particularly valuable for projects needing high performance, native integration, and extensive widget libraries, such as in automotive, medical devices, or industrial automation software over what GTK offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
GTK wins

Developers should learn GTK when building native desktop applications, especially for Linux environments where it is the standard for many distributions like GNOME

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev