PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You

In this article we want to talk about comparison of PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You, so PyQt5 and Tkinter are both popular Python libraries for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs). however they have different features and different application requirements. these are some factors to consider when choosing between the two:

 

 

PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You

  1. Features: PyQt5 is more powerful library than Tkinter because it provides different widgets and tools for creating sophisticated and visually appealing user interfaces. PyQt5 also supports Qt Designer, so Qt Designer is visual layout editor that simplifies GUI design. Tkinter on the other hand provides basic set of GUI elements that are easy to use and good for simpler applications.
  2. Learning Curve: PyQt5 is more complex and can take more time to learn than Tkinter. PyQt5 requires knowledge of both Python and Qt, while Tkinter is part of Python standard library and it makes it easier to learn for Python developers.
  3. Application Type: If you are building simple desktop application or lightweight tool than Tkinter is good choice. for more complex  applications, PyQt5 may be better option.
  4. Cross-platform Compatibility: Both PyQt5 and Tkinter are cross platform libraries, but PyQt5 is considered more flexible when it comes to building applications for multiple operating systems.
  5. Licensing: PyQt5 is licensed under the GPL (General Public License), which requires developers to release source code of their application if it is distributed to others. Tkinter on the other hand, is licensed under the Python Software Foundation License, which allows for both open source and commercial use without any restrictions.

 

 

 

This is simple GUI window with Python TKinter:

In the above code first we have imported tkinter module and created a class called MyWindow. after that in __init__ method, we have created an instance of Tk class which creates new top level window, and then we have set size of the window using geometry method and set the title using title method. than we have created Label widget with the text “GeeksCoders.com” and pack it in the window using the pack method. and finally we started the main event loop using the mainloop method.

 

Run the complete code and this will be the result

PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You
PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You

 

 

 

This is the code for creating simple GUI window with Python & PyQt5

In the above code first we have imported QtWidgets module from PyQt5 and created a class called MyWindow which extends from QMainWindow.
in the __init__ method, we call super function to call the constructor of the parent class.
after that we have set size and title of the window using setGeometry and setWindowTitle methods. after that we created QLabel widget with text “GeeksCoders” and set its position using the move method, and finally we show the window using show method and start the application’s event loop using exec_ method.

 

Run the complete code and this will be the result

PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You
PyQt5 vs Tkinter: Which GUI Library is Right for You

 

 

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So we can say that if you need to create simple GUI application quickly and are already familiar with Python, Tkinter may be the best choice for you. however if you need more sophisticated GUI with advanced features, cross platform compatibility and are willing to invest time in learning, PyQt5 may be the better choice.

 

 

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