Python GUI Bliss: Choosing Between tkinter or wxPython

Getting started with Python GUI frameworks often involves intense internet searches to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks are out there. You will ultimately find that tkinter and wxPython are the most explored options. This blog post provides a succinct overview of the pros and cons of both tkinter and wxPython, from the perspective of someone who always chooses wxPython (wink). Additionally, I will cover the installation process for each framework and include simple program examples to jumpstart your GUI development journey. I could have used information like this when I first started looking into python GUI development. So, hopefully this is helpful for those of you who are just getting started.

tkinter: User-Friendly Simplicity

Pros

Ease of Use: tkinter is renowned for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those new to GUI development.

Standard Library Inclusion: The framework comes bundled with the Python standard library, ensuring a hassle-free start.

Cons

Limited Aesthetics: While straightforward, tkinter may lack some advanced styling options found in other frameworks.

Feature Limitations: tkinter offers fewer built-in widgets and functionalities, potentially limiting the complexity of applications.

wxPython: Preferred Powerhouse with a Learning Curve

Pros

Rich Set of Widgets: wxPython provides a diverse range of built-in widgets, empowering developers to create sophisticated and feature-rich interfaces.

Native Look and Feel: Applications developed with wxPython tend to have a native look and feel across different platforms, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cons

1. Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features, wxPython presents a steeper learning curve, requiring users to invest more time in understanding its complexities.

2. Installation Challenges: One drawback is the relatively more challenging installation process, which may pose initial hurdles for users. This is typically more of an issue if you are installing on one of the Debian flavors. The exact package to install changes as upgrades happen, and you may have to install libraries as well. I have included the last installation instructions that worked for me on an Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy) OS in the installation section.

Installation Instructions

In this section, I give the instructions on how to install both packages with a special section for installing wxPython on a Debian OS.

Installing tkinter on Mac OS

pip install tk
brew install python-tk

Installing tkinter on Ubuntu 22.04

pip install tk
sudo apt install python3-tk

Installing wxPython on Mac OS

pip install wxpython

Installing wxPython on Ubuntu 22.04

pip install -U -f https://extras.wxpython.org/wxPython4/extras/linux/gtk3/ubuntu-22.04 wxPython

sudo apt-get install git curl libsdl2-mixer-2.0-0 libsdl2-image-2.0-0 libsdl2-2.0-0

Basic GUI Program Examples

I like to use a basic program as a test program to ensure that the installs worked properly. So, here are the two test examples that I like to use. They both have similar basic functionality for the respective packages.

tkinter Example

import tkinter as tk
from tkinter import messagebox

class MyFrame(tk.Tk):
    def __init__(self, *args, **kw):
        super(MyFrame, self).__init__(*args, **kw)

        self.title("Simple tkinter App")
        self.geometry("300x200")

        panel = tk.Frame(self)
        panel.pack()

        button = tk.Button(panel, text="Click Me!", command=self.on_button_click)
        button.pack(pady=10, padx=10)

    def on_button_click(self):
        messagebox.showinfo("Info", "Button clicked!")

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app = MyFrame()
    app.mainloop()

wxPython Example

import wx

class MyFrame(wx.Frame):
    def __init__(self, *args, **kw):
        super(MyFrame, self).__init__(*args, **kw)

        panel = wx.Panel(self)
        button = wx.Button(panel, label="Click Me!", pos=(10, 10))

        self.Bind(wx.EVT_BUTTON, self.on_button_click, button)

    def on_button_click(self, event):
        wx.MessageBox("Button clicked!", "Info", wx.OK | wx.ICON_INFORMATION)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app = wx.App(False)
    frame = MyFrame(None, title="Simple wxPython App", size=(300, 200))
    frame.Show()
    app.MainLoop()

Choosing Between tkinter and wxPython

In the realm of Python GUI frameworks, the choice between tkinter and wxPython is subjective. It is worth noting that I have extensive experience in design and software development. So, personally, I value a powerful toolkit with a lot of options for features and customization. So, wxPython is my preferred choice. However, your project may require features that are best suited by the simplicity and low barrier to get going that tkinter offers. This comparison aims to guide you towards the framework that aligns best with your development preferences.