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Qt Widgets vs GTK

Developers should learn Qt Widgets when creating cross-platform desktop applications that require a native appearance and performance, such as productivity tools, media players, or scientific software meets developers should learn gtk when building native desktop applications, especially for linux environments where it is the standard for many distributions like gnome. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Qt Widgets

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Pros

+It is particularly useful for projects where a lightweight, non-web-based UI is preferred over modern web technologies, and when deep integration with system APIs or C++ codebases is needed
+Related to: c-plus-plus, qt-framework

Cons

-Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

GTK

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

The Verdict

Use Qt Widgets if: You want it is particularly useful for projects where a lightweight, non-web-based ui is preferred over modern web technologies, and when deep integration with system apis or c++ codebases is needed and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use GTK if: You prioritize 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 over what Qt Widgets offers.

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The Bottom Line

Qt Widgets wins

Learn about Qt Widgets →Learn about GTK →

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