Updated April 6, 2023
Introduction to PyGTK
PyGTK is a module used to create advanced graphical layouts in the python programming language so that the users can interact with the app quickly. It is the combination of python and GTK, the acronym GTK stands for GIMP ToolKit, so, the PyGTK is a collection of Python wrappers for the GTK+ graphical user interface library. It comes with a large number of graphical elements as well as other programming tools for constructing desktop apps. It’s an extension of the GNOME project.
It is open-source software that is released under the LGPL license and it is a cross-platform library. James Henstridge is the creator of PyGTK. PyGTK is extremely user-friendly, making it excellent for quick prototyping. The PyGTK can install on Unix and Win32, it is easy to set up using an installer version, and the Mac OS X versions are in the works. The sources of the library are http://pygtk.org/ and http://www.gtk.org/.
Need for PyGTK
- PyGTK is used to create GUI in the python programming language.
- A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a window and its collection of widgets, which include input boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, tabs, buttons, text, and other objects that are displayed within the window.
- The GUI sends a signal to the program when the user does absolutely anything with the window or one of the widgets, even if it’s only moving the mouse cursor over it, to inform it that a response may be required.
- The Python programming language includes a module PyGTK with its standard collection of libraries for constructing basic GUIs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PyGTK
Given below are the advantages and disadvantage mentioned:
Advantages:
- Performance: PyGTK 0.X (for GTK 1.2) performs excellently. Version 2.0 (for gtk 2.X) does not have the same performance as the previous versions, but it is still acceptable.
- PyGTK has an efficient API that is built on signal and callback propagation. Any component can send out a signal, which is transmitted “upwards” until it is captured and a callback call is generated.
- IDE: PyGTK has a tool for creating interfaces called Glade that allows you to generate an XML reference of the interface that the library may use directly.
- Portability: It’s simple to port PyGTK apps to Windows. Normally, this is done without modifying the code.
- Documentation: Extensive documentation. Both versions have excellent tutorials. Although there isn’t a complete reference for PyGTK 0.X, there is one for version 2.X that is extremely good.
Disadvantage:
- Code size: Although much of the code in PyGTK appears to be superfluous, it is necessary. To use any element, for example, we must first build it, then call the class, configure it using its configuration methods, position it, and then show it using the show () method. For each object, there are at least three method calls. As a result, we have a lot of source code.
Modules of PyGTK
Given below are the modules mentioned:
- Pango: It is a text layout and drawing library with a focus on internationalization.
- Cairo: It is a 2D graphics library with support for different output devices.
- ATK: User interfaces, magnifiers, and alternative input devices are just a few of the accessibility tools available through this library.
- GTK: The GTK user interface module is responsible for the user interface.
- Glade: This tool is used for creating graphical user interfaces from XML files.
- GObject: GObject is a foundation class for PyGTK classes that provides common attributes and functions.
Classes of PyGTK
Given below are the classes mentioned:
- gtk.Widget: For all PyGTK widgets, there is a gtk.base class. gtk. For widgets, Widget provides a standardized set of methods and signals.
- gtk.Window: This is a top-level window for a single child widget. gtk. A window is a display area containing a title bar and buttons for closing, resizing, and moving the window.
- gtk.Dialog: This is used to creates a popup window with information and options for the user to choose from.
- gtk.Button: This is a button widget that sends a signal when clicked. gtk.Button is usually displayed as a pushbutton with a text label and is generally used to attach a callback function.
- gtk.Label: This widget displays the read-only text.
- gtk.Layout: This creates a scrollable area with child widgets and custom graphics that may be scrolled indefinitely.
- gtk.Toolbar: This container stores and maintains a horizontal or vertical bar of buttons and widgets.
- gtk.ComboBox: This widget is used to choose items from a list.
- gtk.Scrollbar: This allows a horizontal or vertical scrollbar to show.
- gtk.ProgressBar: This is used to show how far a long-running process has progressed.
- gtk.Menu: This is a dropping menu that has a collection of Menu Item objects that the user can access and activate to execute application functions.
Applications of PyGTK
Here are some examples of the PyGTK applications that have been used it:
- Anaconda installer
- BitTorrent
- Deluge
- Emesene
- Flumotion
- Exaile
- gDesklets
- Gajim
- GIMP (for optional Python scripts)
- Gedit (for optional Python subsystem and plugins)
- Gramps GNOME Sudoku
- Jokosher
- Gwibber (microblogging client)
- PyMusique
- puddletag
- Tryton
- ROX Desktop (includes ROX-Filer)
- Pybliographer
- Ubiquity (Ubuntu installer)
- SoundConverter
- Wing IDE
- Ubuntu Software Center
- Comix
Conclusion
PyGTK is the combination of python and GTK, the acronym GTK stands for GIMP ToolKit. It is a Python module that allows you to develop advanced graphical layouts so that users can interact with the app rapidly. It is open-source software that is released under the LGPL license and it is a cross-platform library.
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