Python GUI : Difference between tkinter, PyQt, and Kivy

Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) play a pivotal role in creating user-friendly applications. Python offers several options for building GUIs, each with its own set of features and capabilities. In this article, we will dive into three popular GUI modules: tkinter, PyQt, and Kivy. We’ll explore their key features, provide a small project using each module, and finally, answer the burning question: Which GUI module is better in Python?

tkinter:

• Simplicity and Standardization: tkinter is Python’s built-in GUI toolkit, making it readily available without additional installations.
• Beginner-Friendly: Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for beginners to start creating basic GUI applications.
• Limitations: However, tkinter’s functionalities can be limited when it comes to more complex and modern UI designs.

Project using tkinter:

import tkinter as tk

def greet():
    name = entry.get()
    greeting.config(text=f"Hello, {name}!")

root = tk.Tk()
root.title("tkinter Greeting App")

entry = tk.Entry(root, width=30)
entry.pack()

button = tk.Button(root, text="Greet", command=greet)
button.pack()

greeting = tk.Label(root, text="")
greeting.pack()

root.mainloop()

Pros:

• Simplicity and Standardization: tkinter is Python’s built-in GUI toolkit, making it readily available without additional installations.
• Beginner-Friendly: Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for beginners to start creating basic GUI applications.
• Active Community: Due to its long history, tkinter boasts a large community with ample resources and tutorials.

Cons:

• Limited Modern UI: tkinter’s design options are relatively basic compared to modern UI/UX trends.
• Lacks Advanced Features: It lacks certain advanced features found in more specialized libraries like PyQt or Kivy.

PyQt:

• Rich Features: PyQt offers a wide range of features and tools to create powerful and sophisticated GUI applications.
• Flexibility: It provides more freedom in terms of customization and design, allowing developers to create visually appealing interfaces.
• Learning Curve: The learning curve might be steeper, especially for those new to GUI programming.

Project using PyQt:

import sys
from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QApplication, QWidget, QLabel, QLineEdit, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout

class GreetingApp(QWidget):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        self.setWindowTitle('PyQt Greeting App')

        self.entry = QLineEdit(self)
        self.button = QPushButton('Greet', self)
        self.greeting = QLabel(self)

        layout = QVBoxLayout()
        layout.addWidget(self.entry)
        layout.addWidget(self.button)
        layout.addWidget(self.greeting)

        self.setLayout(layout)
        self.button.clicked.connect(self.greet)

    def greet(self):
        name = self.entry.text()
        self.greeting.setText(f"Hello, {name}!")

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
    window = GreetingApp()
    window.show()
    sys.exit(app.exec_())

Pros:

• Rich Features: PyQt offers a wide range of features and tools to create powerful and sophisticated GUI applications.
• Flexibility: It provides more freedom in terms of customization and design, allowing developers to create visually appealing interfaces.
• Strong Documentation: PyQt’s extensive documentation and active community make it easier to find solutions to common challenges.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: The learning curve might be steeper, especially for those new to GUI programming.
• Licensing Consideration: PyQt’s licensing can be a concern for commercial projects as it has GPL licensing for open-source use and a commercial license for closed-source use.

Kivy:

• Cross-Platform and Touch Interfaces: Kivy excels at creating applications that work on multiple platforms and support touch interfaces, making it a preferred choice for mobile and tablet applications.
• Innovative: Kivy’s unique approach to UI development through its own language, Kv Language, sets it apart.
• Less Known: While Kivy offers unique advantages, it might not have the same extensive community and resources as tkinter or PyQt.

Project using Kivy:

from kivy.app import App
from kivy.uix.boxlayout import BoxLayout
from kivy.uix.label import Label
from kivy.uix.textinput import TextInput
from kivy.uix.button import Button

class GreetingApp(App):
    def build(self):
        self.layout = BoxLayout(orientation='vertical')
        self.entry = TextInput(hint_text='Enter your name')
        self.button = Button(text='Greet')
        self.greeting = Label()
        
        self.layout.add_widget(self.entry)
        self.layout.add_widget(self.button)
        self.layout.add_widget(self.greeting)
        
        self.button.bind(on_press=self.greet)
        return self.layout
    
    def greet(self, instance):
        name = self.entry.text
        self.greeting.text = f"Hello, {name}!"

if __name__ == '__main__':
    GreetingApp().run()

Pros:

• Cross-Platform and Touch Interfaces: Kivy excels at creating applications that work on multiple platforms and support touch interfaces, making it a preferred choice for mobile and tablet applications.
• Innovative Approach: Kivy’s unique approach to UI development through its own language, Kv Language, sets it apart and offers faster development.
• Gesture Support: Kivy’s built-in support for gestures simplifies creating touch-based interactions.

Cons:

• Smaller Community: While Kivy offers unique advantages, it might not have the same extensive community and resources as tkinter or PyQt.
• Less Mature: Compared to tkinter and PyQt, Kivy is relatively newer, which might lead to some instability and lack of certain features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of GUI module in Python depends on various factors including project complexity, design preferences, and platform requirements. For beginners or simple applications, tkinter might be a good starting point. PyQt offers a wealth of features for robust applications with greater customization. Kivy stands out for its cross-platform capabilities and unique approach to UI design. Ultimately, the “better” module depends on the specific use case and the developer’s familiarity with the tools. Whichever module you choose, creating engaging and user-friendly applications is within your grasp.

What’s your preferred Python GUI module? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s start a discussion! Have you used one of these modules in a real project? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share this article with your fellow developers who might be in a GUI module dilemma. Stay tuned for more in-depth explorations of programming tools and techniques!