[lindqvust]

Hi guys,

I would like your opinion on some coding questions of mine. Currently, I do not have any experience with Qt. However, I am strongly inclined to learn it since I would like to develop applications for MeeGo. Now, I'm faced with a dilemma. First, I have minimal experience to C++, the language Qt is written in. But I have a strong grasp with Python, as I've been using it for quite some time now.

Now I know there are Python bindings for Qt (PyQt), and I suppose the learning curve won't be as steep for me when trying to develop a PyQt application. The only caveat I can see is that the user will be required to download additional libraries when installing the PyQt application. Are there other downsides to using bindings? (i.e. performance, memory, etc.) I do like the adventure of learning more of C++. But the learning could take some time, especially for something like C++. So would you recommend that I learn C++ and develop Qt apps in it's native language, or just stick to PyQt? What's more advantageous in the long run?

[vivainio]

I'm a big python fan, but I think going for C++ is the best bet.

Reason for this is that tooling (mostly Qt creator) helps a lot with C++, but with python you are sort of on your own. Also, learning Qt might be easier with C++ because documentation is mostly written for that, and there is more example code to go around.

The knowledge you acquire from using Qt with C++ is directly applicable with pyqt/pyside if you want to switch eventually. Same goes the other way around - if you start with pyqt/pyside, the learning effort is directly usable on C++ side.

BTW, you don't need to know all that much about C++ to get started. You can be perfectly happy with the subset you need with Qt.

[lindqvust]

Thanks for the tip! I guess my only struggle would be that Python's approach to coding is very different from that of C++. I guess that's going to be one of the fun sides of discovery albeit the occasional frustrations.

[2beers]

yes. A friend of mine give me this book: http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-De...ref=pd_sim_b_3
it help me a lot to understand the basics of qt. after you established the basic stuff you can search on forums for more advanced information in case you will face problems with your applications.

[profebral]

The PyQt syntax is similar to native Qt. Also, Riverbank has pythonic versions of the Qt Creator and Qt Designer, so you have those tools to your advantage.

I am sticking with PyQt right now but I think I will eventually learn C++ and start using Qt with it.

[lindqvust]

So I guess the best flow from this point for my case would be to learn Qt via PyQt. Then eventually migrate to C++. I've been searching around, and I see quite a strong following for PyQt. So there's still an abundant amount of documentation and examples for PyQt.

Thanks guys! I shall purchase that book as well to help my studies.

[vivainio]

Originally Posted by profebral

Also, Riverbank has pythonic versions of the Qt Creator and Qt Designer, so you have those tools to your advantage.

By tool support I don't mean just UI designer (this works fine with python as well), but e.g. code completion that understands signals/slots and generally works like a dream. Mistyping signal names is one of the places where beginners trip up (though new style signals in pyqt help here somewhat).