C++ or Python as a starting point into GUI programming?

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+6 Q:

C++ or Python as a starting point into GUI programming?

I have neglected my programming skills since i left school and now i want to start a few things that are running around in my head. Qt would be the toolkit for me to use but i am undecided if i should use Python (looks to me like the easier to learn with a few general ideas about programming) or C++ (the thing to use with Qt). In my school we learned the basics with Turbo Pascal, VB and a voluntary C course, though right now i only know a hint of all the things i learned back then.

Can you recommend me a way and a site or book (or two) that would bring me on that path (a perfect one would be one that teaches the language with help of the toolkit)?

Thank you in advance.

+3 A:

I have read Rapid GUI Programming with Python and Qt: The Definitive Guide to PyQt Programming by Mark Summerfield , it's cool. for C++ : C++ GUI Programming with Qt 4 (2nd Edition) just my two cents.

sunqiang 2009-07-05 22:21:41

+3 A:

http://wiki.python.org/moin/PyQt
You can use PyQT for Qt in Python. They have recommendations for tutorials and references on there.

Google "How to learn Qt" and "Learning C++". There are some decent sources on there.

2009-07-05 22:24:41

+19 A:

Being an expert in both C++ and Python, my mantra has long been "Python where I can, C++ where I must": Python is faster (in term of programmer productivity and development cycle) and easier, C++ can give that extra bit of power when I have to get close to the hardware or be extremely careful about every byte or machine cycle I spend. In your situation, I would recommend Python (and the many excellent books and URLs already recommended in other answers).

Alex Martelli 2009-07-05 22:30:35

I like this: "Python where I can, C++ where I must". I do agree that C++ is more suitable when you want to get closer to the metal and demand higher performance. For beginners, Python will do. Basics of Python is much easier to understand compared with C++ basics too.

Viet 2009-07-06 08:21:25

This sounds like a good way, i will try my luck with this.Thank you all for your responds! :)

Plastefuchs 2009-07-06 10:29:38

How about Ruby? You can write Qt apps in Ruby allegedly (http://rubyforge.org/projects/korundum), and it gives you a good excuse to look at the very excellent "Why's Poignant Guide..." (http://poignantguide.net) which is how Monty Python would have introduced programming....

(Actually thinking about learning python myself, so feel free to ignore my advice (but visit Why's site anyway))

Dycey 2009-07-05 22:31:24

PyQT is far more mature than the Ruby port

Javier 2009-07-06 02:12:00

I think you shall make a language/toolkit choice based on your needs :) For my experience wxPython is poorly documented so I cant recommend it for using.

Denis Barmenkov 2009-07-05 23:03:20

"can't recommend it"... interesting, but not really as helpful as providing something you CAN recommend. Is there something you CAN recommend?

S.Lott 2009-07-05 23:37:29

Yes but can save the question author's time! :-)My main tasks are Unix'es command line utilities, and wxPython experience based on "wxPython in Action" was not so positive. This framework doesn't have strong architecture vision on their documentation so I shall go to google for hacks.

Denis Barmenkov 2009-07-09 17:04:26

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C++ or Python as a starting point into GUI programming?

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