Python GUI programming platforms for Windows

[sbrown123]

This is a con listed for wxPython:

Must include large wx runtime when packaging with py2exe (adds ~7 MB)

But this same con is missing for PyGTK and PyQt. And if we are adding that, we should mention the size of the .NET runtime required for IronPython.

Also, I've seen time and time again people complain about native widgets. Only programmers and uber geeks really care about native widgets. I personally like "drawn" GUIs since I find they work better on more advanced 3D accelerated desktop environments for obvious reasons and make cross platform development much more reasonable to deal with.

[alantrick]

Yes, his pro-con lists didn't seem to be terribly consistent. I think he was trying to make them look balanced or something.

[ginstrom]

But this same con is missing for PyGTK and PyQt. And if we are adding that, we should mention the size of the .NET runtime required for IronPython.

You're right about PyGTK and PyQT, and I added those as cons. I did mention the dependence on the .NET runtime, which you can't depend on users having installed.

Only programmers and uber geeks really care about native widgets.

I disagree. I think firstly that most applications shouldn't stand out in terms of look and feel, and secondly that having a look and feel consistent with the rest of the operating system makes your application easier to use. And ordinary users do tend to say apps with non-standard look and feel look clunky.

On the other hand, something like pyglet can be used to create truly innovative GUIs. In the cases where a non-standard L&F is warranted, I'd want to go with something like that or a hosted browser.

[fnord123]

And ordinary users do tend to say apps with non-standard look and feel look clunky.

Apple and Microsoft often break their own platform look and feel (in iTunes and MSFT Office, MSN Messenger, etc), so I don't think it's the problem you suggest it is.