GTK vs. Qt5

Attribute	GTK	Qt5
License	LGPL	LGPL
Language	C	C++
Platform	Linux, Windows, macOS	Linux, Windows, macOS
Widget Toolkit	GTK	Qt
Supported Languages	C, C++, Python, etc.	C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
Default IDE	None	Qt Creator

Introduction

GTK and Qt5 are two popular cross-platform GUI toolkits used for developing graphical user interfaces in various applications. Both toolkits have their own strengths and weaknesses, and developers often have to choose between them based on their specific requirements and preferences.

Architecture

GTK, which stands for GIMP Toolkit, is a widget toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces. It is written in C and is licensed under the LGPL. GTK uses an object-oriented approach, with widgets being objects that can be customized and manipulated. Qt5, on the other hand, is a C++ framework for developing applications with GUIs. Qt5 is also licensed under the LGPL and uses a signal-slot mechanism for communication between objects.

Supported Platforms

GTK is primarily used on Unix-like systems, such as Linux and BSD, but it also has support for Windows and macOS. Qt5, on the other hand, is designed to be cross-platform and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This makes Qt5 a more versatile choice for developers who need their applications to run on multiple operating systems.

Look and Feel

GTK has a more traditional look and feel, with a focus on simplicity and consistency. It uses the GNOME Human Interface Guidelines to ensure that applications built with GTK have a familiar and user-friendly interface. Qt5, on the other hand, has a more modern and customizable look, with support for themes and stylesheets that allow developers to create unique and visually appealing interfaces.

Performance

GTK is known for its lightweight and efficient performance, making it a good choice for applications that need to run on resource-constrained devices. Qt5, on the other hand, is more feature-rich and can be heavier on system resources. However, Qt5 has made significant improvements in performance in recent years, making it a viable option for a wide range of applications.

Community and Ecosystem

Both GTK and Qt5 have active communities of developers who contribute to the toolkits and provide support to other developers. GTK is used in many popular open-source projects, such as the GNOME desktop environment, while Qt5 is used in commercial applications like Autodesk Maya and VirtualBox. Qt5 also has a larger ecosystem of tools and libraries, such as Qt Creator and Qt Quick, which can help developers build applications more efficiently.

Documentation and Learning Curve

GTK has comprehensive documentation and tutorials that can help developers get started with the toolkit quickly. However, GTK's API can be more complex and less intuitive compared to Qt5, which has a more user-friendly API and extensive documentation. This makes Qt5 a better choice for beginners or developers who are new to GUI programming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both GTK and Qt5 are powerful GUI toolkits with their own unique features and advantages. Developers should consider factors such as platform support, performance, look and feel, and community support when choosing between the two toolkits. Ultimately, the choice between GTK and Qt5 will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the preferences of the developer.