How to make a graphical interface with Python and Tkinter

Creating a python graphical interface with Tkinter is an amazing ability for developers who want to create apps with clear and intuitive visual interaction.

With Tkinter, you can create friendly interfaces efficiently and accessible, allowing programmers at all levels to exploit Python's capabilities.

In this post, we will take a dive into the essential steps to set up a development environment and detail how to implement common interface elements such as buttons, input boxes and menus.

Tkinter is the standard library for python graphic interfaces, being a reliable and widely used choice in the community.

In addition to the basic concepts, the article also brings tips and best practices for a deeper understanding of the creation of effective interfaces, arousing your interest to continue learning and enhancing your software development skills.

To start developing graphic interfaces with Python and Tkinter, the first step is to ensure that your environment is configured correctly.

Python Installation

The first step is to install Python, which can be downloaded from the official Python.org website.

After installation, do a simple test. Python -Version or Python3 -Version.

Otherwise, check the installation procedure again.

TKINTER LIBRARY INSTALLATION

The Tkinter library is usually installed with Python, but it's always good to check it out. IMPORT TKINTER.

If no errors appear, the library is available.

In distributions based in Debian, such as Ubuntu, use the command SUDO APT-GET INSTALL PYTHON3-TK.

TKINTER BASIC CONCEPTS

Tkinter is the default library for creating python graphic interfaces.

Main window

The main window is the starting point for any Tkinter app. Tk, which initializes the application and causes the window to appear automatically.

You can configure various window options such as title and size right after your creation.

Import tkinter as tk

Here, title defines the name of the window and geometry Specifies your dimensions. Mainloop ().

Widgets

Widgets are the components that form the graphic interface.

You add widgets to the main window using the methods Pack (), GRID () or Place ().

button = tk.button (window, text = "click here")

Each widget has properties that you can configure, as bg for the background color and FG for the color of the text.

Events and Bindings

Tkinter events are actions that the user performs, such as mouse clicks or key pressures.

To connect an event to a function, you use the method Bind ().

DEF click ():

In this example, "" represents a left click of the mouse. click It is called when the event occurs.

Drawing the graphic interface

Creating a graphical interface with Python and Tkinter involves planning the disposition of the elements, adding relevant widgets and managing the layout efficiently.

Setting the layout

Start by setting a layout that makes the interface look organized and easy to use.

Widgets can be positioned using percentages or pixels as needed. .Pack (), .Grid () e .place () To organize the components on the screen.

Adding widgets

Widgets are the building blocks of the graphic interface. Label, Button, Entry e Text. Label Displays text and one Button performs actions when clicked.

Add these components to the layout logically, ensuring that each has a clear purpose.

Layout Managers

Layout managers define how widgets behave inside the window. .Pack (), .Grid () e .place ().

• .Pack (): Organizes widgets in the order where they are added, in line or column.
• .Grid (): Creates a grid where widgets can be positioned on specific lines and columns.
• .place (): Allows you to put widgets in exact coordinates, giving full control over the position.

Choose the layout manager based on the needs of your application.

Manipulating input data

Here, we will discuss how to deal with input data on a graphical interface using Python and Tkinter.

Text field

Text fields are essential for capturing user data. Entry to create a text field.

Import tkinter as tk

This creates a field where the user can enter information. GET ():

value = input.get ()

In addition, you can customize the text field with parameters like width e bg To modify its width and background color, respectively.

Action buttons

Action buttons allow the user to execute commands. Button for that.

Botao = tk.button (root, text = "send", command = some_function)

Here, any_function It must be a definite function that will process the data, such as saving or displaying the inputs.

Buttons can also be customized with options like bg, FG e font To change the background color, text color and source style.

Integration with database

Integrating a graphic interface with a database is critical to creating dynamic and functional applications.

Connecting to the database

To connect to a python database, you can use the library SQLite3 For SQLite databases.

import sqlite3

After establishing the connection, create a cursor to interact with the bank and execute SQL commands:

cursor = connection.cursor ()

For other databases, such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, use libraries as MySQL-Connector or PSYCOPG2.

connection.close ()

CRUD OPERATIONS

CRUD (create, read, update and delete) operations are essential for any app that manipulates data.

• To create: To enter data, use the command Insert:

Curso.

• To read: To consult data, use the command Select:

Course.Execute ("Select * From Table")

• To update: To modify existing data, use the command Update:

COURSE.

• Delete: To remove data, use the command Delete:

COURSE.

These operations are the basis for interacting with the database in a TKINTER application.

Adding Advanced Resources

Advanced resources can enrich the graphic interface, making it more interactive and efficient.

Charts and data views

Using libraries like Matplotlib and Seabron can transform the interface experience. FigureCanvastkag.

Here is a simple example of graph:

Import Matplotlib.pyplot as PLT

Thus, dynamic charts can be updated according to the user's inputs, facilitating the interpretation of complex data.

File manipulation

Manipulating files is essential for many applications. filediatialog.

Aqui está um código básico para abrir um arquivo:

From TKINTER IMPORT FILEDIALOG

This allows the user to load and manipulate data directly on the application, making the interface more interactive and functional.

TESTS AND DEGREED

Tests and clearance are fundamental steps in developing a graphic interface with Python and Tkinter.

Writing tests for the interface

To test a graphical interface, it is important to create a set of tests that check the application features. Unittest e pytest They are widely used.

import unittest

In addition to checking the behavior, tests can also validate if the interface meets usability criteria.

DEBUGGING OF FUNCTIONS

Debugging is essential to identify problems that are not captured by the tests. PDB They facilitate the process, allowing the developer to inspect variables and follow the flow of execution.

A practical method of tkinter clearance is to add print statements at strategic points.

DEF On_Button_Click (Self):

In addition, you can configure a logger to record additional information:

import logging

These approaches offer insights on application operation and help in fault correction.

PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION

The packaging and distribution of Python applications created with Tkinter allows developers to easily share their projects.

Creating Executables

To turn a project into an executable, a popular tool is Pyinstaller.

1. Install Pyinstaller with Pip Install Pyinstaller.
2. Browse to your script directory.
3. Run the command Pyinstaller - -INEFILE YOUR_Sript.py.

This creates a folder distancewhere will be the final executable. cx_freeze e py2exebut pyinstaller is widely used for its simplicity and efficacy.

Applications Distribution

Distribution can occur by various means, such as:

• Personal website: Make the executable available on a website.
• Github: Create a page for upload and versions management.
• Marketplace: Publish on platforms like Pypi.

Also, include a readme file with installation and use instructions.