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PyGObject VS GTK

Compare PyGObject VS GTK and see what are their differences

PyGObject logo PyGObject

PyGObject is a python extension module that allows Python programs to easily interface and make use of libraries using the GObject type system.

GTK logo GTK

GTK+ is a multi-platform toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces.
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  • GTK Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-17

PyGObject features and specs

  • Cross-Platform
    PyGObject is compatible with multiple operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, and macOS, which makes it versatile for developing applications across platforms.
  • Integration with GNOME
    PyGObject provides excellent support for GNOME applications, allowing developers to create or enhance applications that are tightly integrated with the GNOME desktop environment.
  • Object-Oriented
    PyGObject provides an object-oriented approach to using the GTK+ toolkit, allowing developers to use familiar programming paradigms and leading to more organized and manageable code.
  • Large Widget Set
    PyGObject provides access to a wide variety of widgets and tools from the GTK+ library, allowing the creation of feature-rich graphical user interfaces.
  • Automatic Memory Management
    Being a part of Python, PyGObject benefits from automatic memory management, which reduces the risk of memory leaks and simplifies the development process.

Possible disadvantages of PyGObject

  • Complexity
    PyGObject can be complex to learn and use, particularly for beginners, due to the comprehensive nature of the GTK+ toolkit and the necessity to understand GObject and its conventions.
  • Performance Overhead
    Compared to applications written directly in C with GTK+, PyGObject may introduce some performance overhead because of the Python language and its interaction with the GObject system.
  • Limited Documentation
    While resources are available, some developers may find the documentation lacking in examples or depth for certain advanced features or specific use cases.
  • Dependency Management
    Managing dependencies for PyGObject applications can be challenging, especially when dealing with various versions of GTK+ and ensuring compatibility across different environments.

GTK features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    GTK supports multiple platforms including Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it versatile for developing applications across different operating systems.
  • Rich Widget Set
    GTK provides a comprehensive set of widgets for GUIs, allowing developers to create complex and highly functional user interfaces.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, GTK offers developers the ability to inspect, modify, and distribute their modifications, fostering a community of collaboration and innovation.
  • Language Bindings
    GTK supports multiple programming languages through various bindings, including C, Python, and JavaScript, thereby offering flexibility to developers.
  • Consistent Look and Feel
    GTK strives to maintain a consistent look and feel across applications and platforms, providing a unified user experience.

Possible disadvantages of GTK

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, GTK can present a steep learning curve due to its comprehensive nature and the depth of its APIs.
  • Performance Overhead
    GTK applications can sometimes exhibit performance issues, especially on less powerful hardware, due to the extensive features and capabilities it includes.
  • Limited Native Support on macOS
    Although GTK is cross-platform, native support and integration on macOS can be limited compared to its support on Linux and Windows.
  • Heavy Dependencies
    GTK applications often require a significant amount of dependencies, which can lead to larger application sizes and more complex installation processes.
  • Documentation Quality
    While GTK has extensive documentation, the quality and depth can sometimes be inconsistent, which may hinder learning and troubleshooting for developers.

PyGObject videos

PyGObject and Vala

GTK videos

GTK4 Is Here: Why You Should Even Care

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PyGObject and GTK)
Development Tools
22 22%
78% 78
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Rapid Application Development
Developer Tools
35 35%
65% 65

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare PyGObject and GTK

PyGObject Reviews

Which Python GUI library should you use? Comparing the Python GUI libraries available in 2023
PyGObject is developed and maintained under the GNOME Foundation, who is also responsible for the GNOME desktop environment. PyGObject replaces several separate Python modules, including PyGTK, GIO and python-gnome, which were previously required to create a full GNOME/GTK application. Its initial release was in 2006 and it is licensed under an older version of LGPL (v2.1)....

GTK Reviews

Best GUI frameworks for Go
The go-gtk package is a Go binding for the GTK toolkit. The package enables Go developers to use the GTK library in Go with similar features as the GTK library. The package is performant, well-documented, and actively maintained. The go-gtk package depends on the GTK library to function, and you’ll need to have GTK installed on your machine to build GUI applications in Go....

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, GTK should be more popular than PyGObject. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

PyGObject mentions (2)

  • Migrate from web developer to app developer
    You have a college degree specifically in web development? Which schools do this? If you know Python or Javascript, you should have no problem perusing the docs out there, and start working. A quick web search brings up a lot in regards to something like a GTK 4 Python Tutorial using PyGObject. Alternatively, there is GJS utilizing Javascript bindings. Source: about 2 years ago
  • is there is a guide to how to start on pyopject and adwaita?
    The Python/GTK3 documentation is also a good starting point if you want to learn the basics: https://pygobject.readthedocs.io/en/latest/. Source: almost 3 years ago

GTK mentions (6)

  • What GNOME needs to progress faster? (More contributors, money, better docs etc.)
    Wha? An example of a barebones GTK JavaScript app is right there on the front page. One click on the bindings link, will send you to the official GNOME-hosted GitLab repo for gjs, which in-turn, has links to official API documentation. Source: over 2 years ago
  • GTK 4 & JavaScript - how to start?
    I think what is lacking is a kind of introduction similar to what you have written in your post now. Myself, I am totally new to GTK. I come as a user of Gnome. All I knew until today was that to develop applications for Gnome, preferably I should use something called GTK. And I heard so much about the recent version that came out - GTK 4. So I started to look for a Getting Started tutorial for GTK 4, to build... Source: about 3 years ago
  • GTK 4 & JavaScript - how to start?
    BTW, I think the GTK team should really step up their game in terms of how to encourage new people into their ecosystem. Seeing that windows screenshot in the official tutorial makes me think I'm dealing with some old technology. Also, the official gtk.org has two separate tutorials that show very similar applications being built. Source: about 3 years ago
  • CTA: We need Web Developers to Contribute to GNOME!
    Faces of GNOME Faces of GNOME is an initiative to create something similar to People of Mozilla / Mozillians which is a directory of active, current or past GNOME Contributors. Faces of GNOME (Current Demo HERE) aims to give a space for every GNOME Contributor, GNOME Foundation Member and more. It is being designed to showcase the list of current Maintainers, People that spoke at GNOME Conferences/Events, GNOME... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Software Engineering student looking to get started developing apps on the pinephone
    My advice is to basically learn how to write GTK apps using Python. Source: over 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing PyGObject and GTK, you can also consider the following products

PySimpleGUI - A simple to use GUI that can create custom GUIs

Qt - Powerful, flexible and easy to use, Qt will help you not only meet your tight deadline, but also reduce the maintainable code by an astonishing percentage.

PyQt - Riverbank | Software | PyQt | What is PyQt?

wxWidgets - wxWidgets: Cross-Platform GUI Library

MD Python Designer - A drag and drop GUI Designer that uses a combination of Tkinter and its own code.

Dear PyGui - Dear PyGui is a simple to use (but powerful) Python GUI framework. Dear PyGui provides a wrapping of Dear ImGui which simulates a traditional retained mode GUI (as opposed to Dear ImGui's immediate mode paradigm).