GTK+ vs Qt : Which is Better?

GTK+ icon

GTK+

GTK+ (GIMP Toolkit) is a cross-platform widget toolkit for creating graphical user interface. Developed by GNOME Foundation

License: Open Source

Categories: Development

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux

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Qt icon

Qt

Qt (cute) is a cross-platform application framework that is used for developing application software that can be run on various software and hardware. Developed by Qt Project

License: Open Source

Categories: Development

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux BSD

GTK+ VS Qt

GTK+ is primarily designed for Linux and GNOME applications, making it a lightweight option for simple applications, while Qt is a more robust, cross-platform toolkit suitable for complex UIs with extensive features and commercial support. Qt's performance and tools for UI design make it a preferred choice for larger, more intricate applications.

GTK+

Pros:

  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Strong integration with GNOME
  • Good for creating simple applications
  • Good documentation and community support
  • Strong support for internationalization
  • Provides a native look on Linux

Cons:

  • Primarily focused on Linux
  • Less performance for complex UIs
  • Limited support for non-GNOME environments
  • Less flexible in customization compared to Qt
  • Fewer tools for UI design

Qt

Pros:

  • Rich set of features and modules
  • Cross-platform with excellent support
  • Higher performance for complex applications
  • Great tools for UI design (Qt Designer)
  • Extensive documentation and examples
  • Strong community support and commercial options

Cons:

  • Heavier footprint for simple applications
  • Licensing can be complex for commercial use
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • More complex setup process
  • Long build times for large applications

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