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C++ 100款开源界面库——内容细节(现在有变动)不必深究,普及就好

(声明:Alberl以后说到开源库,一般都是指著名的、或者不著名但维护至少3年以上的。那些把代码一扔就没下文的,Alberl不称之为开源库,只称为开源代码。这里并不是贬低,像Alberl前面那个系列的教程《 2013 duilib入门简明教程 》,还有本系列教程,还有前面介绍的CodeProject,基本上都是代码往上面一扔,就不用再怎么维护的。这些都称之为开源代码,其实开源代码对新手的帮助更大,因为很简明的说明了代码用法~O(∩_∩)O~)
 
    前面两个教程已经对制作界面的几种方式 进行了比较, 权威界面库已经比较过了,那么接下来就是上一个教程介绍的那三种方式。
    而上一个教程已经说的很明确了,用那三种 必须得依靠开源库!(或者像腾讯这样有实力的公司自己开发)     
    C++相对于Java和C#而言,确实有点悲催。C#有强大的微软做后盾,Java也是被Sun养大,而C和C++由贝尔实验室发明,毕竟C++只是贝尔实验室中很普通的一项发明,并且C++的最大受益者也不是贝尔实验室,从C++ 03 到C++ 2011隔了8年时间,显然没有Java和C#及时,毕竟他们都是公司运作,并且是公司中很重要的成员。而C++的推动就只能靠开源社区啦,boost是最大的贡献者啦,然后就是linux社区、Apache等公司,再接着就是各种开源库的作者啦。
    没有公司的运作,显然很多方面都比不上Java和C#。比如C#有个很著名的 NOPI,操作Office毫无压力,而C++就只有几个没人维护的库,还不如用微软的COM接口。java有个很著名的JFreeChart,显示各种曲线 图表都够了,但C++就没有,只有Codeproject上面有几个,不过还是达不到要求,但是商业的曲线库老板又不会买,就苦了我等码农了。Office还好,微软的接口一向好用,在现有开源代码的基础上,花个把星期就可以封装个很不错的库。而曲线图表这个东东不像按钮控件,真的很难做,难做的不是画图,而是各种曲线的管理,和各种效果功能的实现,细节问题一大堆,而C#和Java却不会遇到这种常用控件还要开发的问题。 这只是其中的两个例子而已,Alberl平时查资料的时候,也发现了C++的很多不给力(主要体现在界面方向,逻辑方向倒是非常给力),因为C++本来就只是逻辑处理,连多线程都没有,界面就更别提了,而C#和Java都是一整套开发框架,所以非常省事。注意啦,这里不是劝大家不要用C++,而是说C++真的需要做很多事情。 对C++开源库的牢骚完毕^_^
 
    还记得第二个教程给出了数十款播放器的对比吗? 同样有NB的老外给C++的界面库也做了详细对比,同样也有上百种~O(∩_∩)O~
    下面请看正文(格式支持不好,推荐看原文。可能很少小伙伴会看完,不过最后面有Alberl的分析哦~):
 
 
 
 
 
 


The GUI Toolkit, Framework Page

User interfaces occupy an important part of software development. This page provides a comprehensive reference on toolkits for building graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with emphasis on resources for  Free Software  ( Open Source ). This page focuses on personal computers but also references some offerings for embedded products.
Note to people using the geocities.com site: if you see the site down due to bandwidth limit being exceeded, please consider using the other site listed below 

GUI Toolkit developers: please let 
me  know of news/changes to your projects/products so I can update this page accordingly.

This page resides in http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Vista/7184/guitool.html and  
http://www.atai.org/guitool/

Page created April 17, 1997 (86). recent changes

Thanks to Alejandro de Garate for improving the layout of this page .© Copyright 1997-2003, 2005 (  ROC Years 86-92, 94,96), by Li-Cheng (Andy) Tai. See  copyright for details.  Last updated  May 13, 2007 (96)
Free toolkitsC/C++ Java other languages    | commercial toolkitsC/C++ Java   | Related links   |  copyright
GPL: GNU General Public License  
LGPL:GNU Library/Lesser General Public License  
PD: Public Domain  
BSD: BSD or X11-like license (commonly allowing you todo whatever you want provided the original copyright notice is kept and credit given)
Art: The Perl Artistic License  
MPL: Mozilla Public License

Free Toolkits (including both Free (in the GNU sense) and no-cost ones)

C/C++ oriented
(unless explicit stated with "C API", all toolkits in this table provide APIs in C++)  
  
  
NameCommentslicenseUnix X11+UnixX11+MotifMS Win 95/98MS Win NT/2000/
XP/Vista
MS Win 3.1OS/2 PMMacOSNextStepOpenStep 
MacOS X
other platforms
AbiWord 's cross platform layer
cross-platform framework
in C++

see  interesting development methodology  for more info
Unix version built on gtk+
GPL
 
     
QNX and BeOS
AbsoluteX
n open source free class library primarily developed for use with X Window System. Uses libsigc++.
LGPL
y
               
aedGUI
a cross-plataform, easy-to-use, non-intrusive C++ GUI library that runs on top of SDL 
LGPL (via SDL) (viaSDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (viaSDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (via SDL)
Agar
a high-level graphical C application framework aimed primarly at 2D/3D games and simulations. Agar applications are portable to a variety of platforms thanks to theSDL.support for SDL 2D and OpenGLrendering. Thread safe BSD
y (via SDL) (viaSDL) y (via SDL) y (via SDL) (viaSDL) (via SDL) y (viaSDL) y (via SDL) other platforms supported by SDL
Amiga Foundation Class 
aims to support Amiga and X11
art
?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amiga (?)
AlfaGUI
a small GUI library for DOS, useful for embedded applications
 
y
             
DOS 16/32 bit
Amulet 
OpenAmulet ( discounted?)
research-oriented toolkit from CMU. native look andfeel. High-level support for interactive interfaces: Direct Manipulation Behaviors, Undo, Animation, etc. original project at CMU completed and Nolonger supported. However, another group has picked up development as OpenAmulet.
PD
y
 
y
y
   
y
   
Andrew
research system from CMU. C and C++ API.
BSD
y
               
Bakery
a C++ Framework for creating GNOMEapplications using Gnome-- and 
     Gtk--.
LGPL
y
               
Berlin
Fresco
 (new)
a totally new window system for Unix/Linux that alsoincludes high level APIs for GUI programming.  Very experimental asit buids upon  OpenGL and CORBA.  Successor ofFresco andOffix. Also listed as an alternative windowing system

Berlin renamed to Fresco in 2002, taking on the name of the old GUI toolkit Fresco
LGPL 
                 
BGUI
GUI library for Amiga.based on BOOPS. C API.
freely distributable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amiga
CG (link broken?)
GUI toolkit of the Arachne project
BSD
y
 
y
y
 
 
y
 
 
CLXgood (Component Library for Cross-platform)Cross-platform library for, and part of, Delphi,Kylix and CBuilder - Based on 
top of Qt, Linux only
GPL y                
Coral (ctGUI)
very powerful and complete advanced application framework with strong GUI components.  Advanced functionalities for non-GUI tasks like networking, shared memory, etc.
Art
y
 
y
y
 
 
 
 
Amiga (old versions)

C++/Tk, cpptk
C++ interface to the Tk library tries to provide not only the Tk functionality, but also its wayof writing code, based on the syntax used in Tcl/Tk. BSD y   y y       y(?)  
CroPL
a C++ application framework and utility library for single-source Mac/Windows applications
non-profit use only
 
 
y
y
 
 
y
y
 
Cvo
 
BSD
y
               
CX
an "UI utility with themes support." just begin.
LGPL
y
               
DCLAP
bare-bone application framework. Nolonger developed and maintained for 3 years already
noncommercial only
 
y
y
y
y
 
y
 
 
EasyGTK (link broken?)
 EasyGTK is a wrapper library to make GTK programmingeasier, and quicker
GPL
y
               
Epeios
Collection of general purposes libraries essentially coded in C++ and working under UNIX and Windows. containing GUI library
GPL
y
 
y
y
         
ET++ 
project is completed. successor is MET++.
BSD
y(?)
y(?)
             
EZWGL
C API. motif look and feel.
LGPL
y
               
Fltk
The Fast Light Tool Kit. API modeled afterXform,but in C++.  SGI Motif look and feel. good documentation.( Fluid, an UI builder)
LGPL with additional permissions
y
 
y
y
   y 
y
 y Microwindows/NanoGUI/Nano-X
FOX
C++-based toolkit on top of XLib. MS Win 95 look.under development
LGPL with additional permissions
y
 
 y
y
 
 
   
Fresco (old)

also see Berlin as the new Fresco
Advanced research toolkit formly supported by theX Consortium but now independently developed. Successor to Interviews.( alt. page)( Java version) 
( another info page) 
development stopped,  succeeded by  Berlin
BSD
y
 
y
y
   
y
   
GEM
The old GUI environment for MSDOS and Atari ST (about1985), now free  software
GPL
               
MS-DOS and Atari ST
GEM++
C++ classes for GEM programming, for Atari ST.
LGPL
 
 
 
           
GINA 
a research project, is completed. (ftp)
   
y
             
GLOW
"a cross-platform object-oriented framework for building interactive applications usingOpenGL or similar APIs such as Mesa. It is, at its heart, an C++ wrapper for GLUT, providing a fully object-oriented API for creating windows, menus and other GUI elements, and for event handling. GLOW also features an extensible cross-platform widget library for building powerful user interfaces."Note:Thusportable to any platform where a functional OpenGL implementation exists(including Mesa )
LGPL
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
GLUI
An OpenGL /GLUT-basedGUI toolkit.   Rendering is done entirely in OpenGL. Win 95 lookand feel.  Note: Thusportable to any platform where a functional OpenGL implementation exists(including Mesa )
LGPL
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
GNOME (libs)
the GNOME desktop also servesas an application framework, C API. Requirers gtk+
LGPL
y
               
GNUstep
envolving NextStep/OpenStep clone. C/Objective CAPI. Version 0.6.6 just released
LGPL 
y
               
gnewt
a gtk+-based toolkit for writing simple user interfaces
LGPL
y
               
grafix
a library for "drawing pictures, functions or othergraphic objects in an interactive manner" or simple graphical user interfaceconstruction" with emphasis on visualization, not UI
GPL
y
               
GraphAPP
C API. a small toolkit for teaching.
?
y
y
?
?
y
       
gtk+
The GIMP Toolkit.developed as part of theGIMP project. Now at version 2.2. C API. ISthe leading toolkit in the free software community in conjuction with Qt. variable  look and feel (default:Motif).  
(ftp) (mailing list) ( gtk--,a C++ wrapper)(Gtkkitand Gtoolkit , ObjectC wrappers) (wxGTKWxWindows port to gtk+ (C++ API)) (gtkv,Vport to gtk+ (C++ API)) 
(VDK , SDPGTKInti, other C++ wrappers) 
gladegradepingle,UI builders for gtk+ and gtk-- 
libglade , a library for gtk/ GNOME  allowing GUI built at run time from specifications in configuration files in XML format, without the need to recompile program 
LGPL
y
 
y
y
       in progress
BeOS , Linux consoleDirectFB
gtkmm (gtk--)
gnomemm (gnome--)
complete C++ wrapper for gtk+ and GNOME. Uses modern C++ features (templates, etc.) for type-safe callbacks and signal/slots withlibsigc++ . glade--,GUI builders for gtk-- 
related: gnomemm, c++ bindings for GNOME
LGPL
y
               
GuiToolkit
"a class set which allow You to build applications with new Microsoft interface style .It includes more than 50 of MFC classes"
no cost use
 
 
y
y
 
 
 
 
 
Harmony
attempts to create a Qt clone witha true Free Software license.  Development is halted. 
LGPL
unfinished
               
Hv
C API.
?
 
y
             
Interviews 
ivtools
  Ivtoolsis an actively maintained and envolved version of Interviews, formerly by VectaportIvtool apps can be embedded inside Motif and Xt canvas. Ivrools contains an application framework, GUI widget framework, Acommand interpreter , drawing editor application framework,  command interpreter into the drawing editor and graph/network application 
Interviews (ftp) was  
an early advanced toolkit whose development stopped around  1993. conceptual successor is  Fresco.
BSD
y
               
Inti
a set of integrated foundation libraries for developingC++ applications on UNIX-like systems such as Linux, including C++ wrapper for gtk+.(2.0 only) new developer, now in version 1.0 beta.
LGPL
y
               
IUP
ANSI C, native controls, custom contros, abstract layout, only a few functions, Lua Scripting 
freely distributable
 
 
 
     
 
IBTK
a small, "basic self-contained no-frills toolkitto create platform-independent GUI software (in C++)
GPL
y
               
JAPI
Written in 
JAVA and C,  provides the JAVA AWT Toolkit to non object oriented Languages like C, Fortran, Pascal, Ada and even Basic
LGPL
y
y
y
y
         
JUCE an all-encompassing C++ class library for developing cross-platform applications GPL     y y       y  
KaiView
stalled in favor of the LIP . recently resumed
?
y
             
 
KDE(libs)
KDE desktop  also serves as anapplication framework. Requires Qt
LGPL
y
               
LessTif
an envolving Motif 1.2 clone. getting close to becomea complete Motif substitution. C API.
LGPL
y
               
LGI (Lightweight GUI Interface)
also for BeOS
"a small enough library that one person can understand it all."
LGPL
 
y
y
       
BeOS
libgui
C API.
BSD
y
               
libgx
a lightweight, non-intrusive, public-domain C++ widget library for writing X11 applications public domain
y
               
libsx
"the Simple X library -- is a lightweight wrapperlibrary sitting on top of the Athena Widget set." C API
LGPL
y
               
LIP
Linux Interface Project. still under development, in the beginning stage. development stalled?
LGPL(?) 
Art(?)
y
               
MacAPP
Apple 's Mac framework, probably the first widely available GUI framework.   No longer supported by Apple but third party development at http://www.clubmacapp.com/
MacAPP license
   
y (unfinished)
y (unfinished)
 
 
y
y
 
Marx
C API. the GUI toolkit is part of a C-like scriptlanguage for quickly building GUIs, although also usable from compiled C. Motif look and feel.
GPL
y
               
MacZoop
C++ API. Framework on top of Carbon API.
MacZoop license
            y
y
 
MET++
"an object-oriented application framework .... providingreusable objects for 2D graphics, user interface components, 3D graphics,video, audio, and music." based on ET++.
?
y
 
?
y(?)
   
y(?)
   
MGUI
C API.
?
y
 
y
y
y
       
Microwindows
a small windowing system providing Win32 and X11API, targetting embedded systems. C API
MPL, GPL
y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MS-DOS, Linux framebuffer, RTEMS, Linux SVGAlib
MiniGUI
" a compact Graphics User Interface (GUI) support system for Linux. MiniGUI defines some Win32-like APIs for the applications. The goal of MiniGUI is keeping its features of small and exquisiteness to provide a small windowing system support library."
LGPL
y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linux framebuffer, Linux SVGAlib and libCGI
(Motif) 
OpenMotif
The real Motif, the traditional standard Unix X11 toolkit, now moving toward free/open source software.  C API.
OpenGroup Public License(free for free/open source unices only)
y
native
             
Motif++
C++ wrapper for motif.
?
 
y
             
notif
written in object-oriented C.  C API. Motiflook and feel. ( announcement)
GPL
y
               
NGL, NUIgood
NGL is an application framework intended to work with SGI's OpenGL* API. NUI is a cross-platform C++ GUI programming framework for OpenGL applications built on top of the NGL 
LGPL
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
note
NWS
distributed as part of Pavuk.C API.
GPL
y
               
OPaC (link broken?)
"a highly portable user interface toolkit with dynamicedition." look and feel and behavior are adjustable/editable at run time
"OPaCFree Public License"
  unfinished (?)
 
y
y
 
unfinished
unfinished
 
 
OpenOffice(as an GUI application framework )
possibly modern forms of StarView?containing a complete application framework and GUI library as the basis of an office suite, including low level GUI toolkit (VCL),application frameworkgraphics applications services
GPL/LGPL/SISSL
y
 
y
         
Offix
a very rich C++ interactive application API withclasses for X11 windows, images, events, clipboards, inter-application communications, styles for look and feel, layout management and drag anddrop.  Also has classes for Unix system services. Open Look and Motiflook and feel. In alpha  release. No longerdeveloped, work merged into Berlin
LGPL
y
               
OpenGUI
a small  graphics  &   windowing library  built  upon a  fast,    low-level  x86 asm  graphics  kernel. Windows 95 look and feel
LGPL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linux console, MS-DOSDJDPP, QNX
ParaGUI
a high-level crossplatform application framework and GUI library. It is completely based on the SimpleDirectMedia Layer (SDL). Works on any environment where SDL exists.
LGPL
y (via SDL)
 
y (via SDL)
y (via SDL)
 
 
y (viaSDL)
   
PicoGUI 
"a new Graphical User Interface architecture designed with embedded systems in mind. ... includes low-level graphics and input, widgets, themeing, layout, font rendering, network transparency, and debugging features." Also can be an alternative windowing system (when running on framebuffers) GPL/LGPL
y (native or via SDL)
  y    
 
 
 
y (via SDL)
Linux frame buffer, numerous embedded devices (see this list)
Pingo
a C++ class library  and framework for X Window Systemwith OSF/MOTIF look-and-feel. API is similar to the Java AWT API.
LGPL
 
y
             
Qt
a high-quality framework. hasadvanced features not present in other toolkits, such a full 2d graphics API (with rotations, scaling, shearing, etc.), metafile support, same code for screen and printer output.  variable look and feel (default:Motif or Win95).  at version 4
KDevelop , EBuilderQt Architect ,QtDesigner and QtEZ, UI buildersfor Qt
Qwt, additional GUI components for Qt for scientific appl

(see this link for info on integration withMotif)
Qt Free Edition license (1.x series, X11 versiion)  
QPL( Qt 2.x series, X11 version) 
QPL and GPL(Qt 2.2 and later, X11 version) 
(Windows  and MacOS  X) (GPLed)
(QPL and GPL)
 
( GPLed)
( GPLed)
     y(GPLed)  
   Qt/Embedded: for the Linux frame buffer without X.
SmartWin a small sized, extremely type safe, no overhead what so ever, fully template based C++ GUI library for Windows API (formerly known as Win 32 API). GPL plus additional permissions     y (?) y          
STDWIN
C API. No longer supported.
?
y
 
 
 
 
 
y
 
 
SUIT
Simple User Interface Toolkit. C API.
y
     
y
 
y
   
Taronja
information in Spanish... no English info available.
BSD
y (?)
            ?
 
Tk
good widget set but not frequently used as a pure C library. Widely used in combination with high-level script languages (TclScheme,Python, Perl,etc.). C API. Native look and feel.
BSD
y
 
y
y
y
 
y
 y  
TOAD
in early stage, still alpha
LGPL
y
               
Trixul
Trixul is an XML and JavaScript GUI toolkit that supports MacOS X, Linux, and Windows environments directly via Cocoa, Gtk+, and .NET native implementations. JavaScript code can call C++ directly. BSD
y (on top ofgtk+)
 
 
y (on top of .Net Forms)
 
 
 
y
 
TWIN/The 
   Willows 
   Toolkit
implementation of MS Windows API on other platforms.C API.
LGPL
y
 
native
native 
native
 
y
 
 
Ultimate++ C++ toolkit that "achieves significant reduction of code complexity for most applications when compared to other development platforms" BSD y   y y          
V
Common C++ wrapper for many platforms. a good "competitor"of WxWidfgets.native look and feel.  ( gtkv, gtk+ port of V)
LGPL
y
y
y
y
y
   
 
VDK
"Visual Development Kit", a C++ wrapper forgtk+ ( VDK Builder, a RAD tool for VDK)
LGPL
y
               
Vibrant (NCBI Toolkit)
part of National Center for Biotechnology Informationsoftware development toolkit, a multi-platform user interface developmentlibrary that automatically handles the behavior of GUI objects, with callbacksto programs
 
 
y
y(?)
y(?)
y(?)
 
y
   
(TheHungry) ViewKit 
a clone of the SGI (ICS) Viewkit.Currently not being developed.
LGPL(?)
(in the future with lesstif)
y
             
ViewKit (ICS)
C++ framework for Motif.  Freely available for Linux Only.
no-cost (for Linux only)
 
y
             
VCF 
Visual Component Framework, "a simple to use cross platform GUI framework, with many of the advanced design features of Java and Java's Swing, and Borland's Visual Component Library.Also provides advanced RTTI/Introspection features common in languages like Object Pascal, Objective C, Smalltalk, and Java, but not typically found in C++" BSD
in development
 
y

 
 
 
in development
 
VXCL
The Virtual X Class Library. API strongly linked to the Win32 API. LGPL   
y
y
y
       
VxLib
Visual Text Library, a "character cell"-based librarylike text mode but displayed in a X window
GPL
 y
 
             
Wafe
"Wafe (Widget[Athena]front end) is a package thatimplements a symbolic, string based interface based on Tcl to the X Toolkit, the Athena Widget Set , Motif and various complementary widget classes and extension packages. " C API.
BSD
y
y
             
wGui

a simple, platform independent dialog manager library using

SDL 
LGPL (via SDL) (viaSDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (viaSDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (via SDL) (via SDL)
Whisper
"gener al purpose Mac/Win32 C++ application framework. successor to the Mac framework Raven.  
is a modern framework that takes advantage of templates, multiple inheritance, STL, and exceptions. is designed around the notionof
Design by Contract and includes numerous debugging tools."
BSD
 
 
y
y
y
 
y
   
WideStudio
an IDE with an original windowing library and visual window editor and a rich set of development facilities
BSD
y
 
y
y
      y  
Wine
"a free implementation of Windows (API) on Unix" On Intel x86 PCs only, can be used to port Windows programs to X11
LGPL
y (Intel x86 PC only)
 
native 
native
native
y
     
WIRP
"Windows Interface Reduced Programming is a libraryof c routines for simple, platform independent GUI programming." C API. 
?
y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WWL( ?)
C++ classes around X widgets.
?
y(?)
y(?)
             
WxWidgets
(formerly wxWindows) Common C++ wrapper for many platforms. version 2,.4  just released. native look and feel. good cross-platform support.(Wxxt, X Toolkit port) 
( WxGTKgtk+ port)
BSD(version1.x only) 
LGPL ( wxxt1.6xonly) 
WxWidgets license (version 3.0, actually LGPL plus exceptions)
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
also on top of MicroWindows, and MGL 
Xarm
a C++ wrapper for Motif.
LGPL
 
y
             
X|Front
"a C++ library providing an object-oriented interfaceto X11R5 Xlib"
BSD
y
               
xclasses
"the X11 layout library." details available in Germanonly  
note another toolkit has the samename
LGPL
?
               
xclasses, xclass95
developed in conjuction with thefvwm95window manager. MS-Win 95 look and feel. 
note another toolkit has the samename
LGPL
y
               
XForms
a toolkit distributed in binary form only. C API. (fdesign,a UI builder)
X Forms license
y
               
Xm++ (?)
C++ classes for Motif and X11 Athena widgets
?
y
y
             
Xmt (Motif Tools),Xmt++
"Xmt is a Motif Tools library. The Xmt Motif Tools library provides developers of user interfaces tools that make Motif easier to use. Xmt consists of the core library of additional widgets, utility programs, docs, tutorials, and example code." C API. Supports rapid prototyping, GUI story boarding. 
"Xmt++ is to provide a C++ Model-View-Controller framework implementation based on Xmt. This framework makes it easier to integrate a Motif GUI to an application and maintain design integrity." 
BSD
y
               
XPIP
C API
BSD
y
             
 
XPToolkit (Xpfe)
cross-platform, toolkit for Mozilla."An open source SDK for building common cross-platform user interfaces usingexisting cross-platform 
standards (e.g., XML, RDF, HTML, CSS, DOM, JavaScript) and technologies (e.g., Gecko, XPConnect) to minimize 
platform-specific code." May built on top ofgtk+ and Xt for X11
MPL/GPL/LGPL
y (Xt, gtk)
?
y
y
y
  y
y
 y  BeOS
XView
the Open Look widget set. C API. no longer supportedby Sun in favor of Motif.
 
y
               
YACL (link broken?)
native look and feel
BSD
 
y
y
y
y
y
   
 
YAAF
Yet Another Application Framwork,  with fairlycomplete  GUI classes and good cross-platform support
BSD
y
 
y
y
 
 
y
   
yzone
a set of universal cross-platform libraries for creationof the graphical modular applications for any UNIX or Microsoft Windowsplatform. C API
LGPL
y
 
y
y
         
Zinc 
well stablished, cross-platform 
 framework. supports 24 platforms  (including MS DOS and Unix text mode) 
desktop use only (not for  embedded applications)
 
y
y
y
y
y
 
 
 MS-DOS, VxWorks, pSOS
Zoolib
"Zoolib provides a GUI toolkit with a uniquely flexible layout system. It also provides a single-file database format, TCP networking, and extensive debugging support. ZooLib applications are multithreaded. ZooLib requires only minimal support from the underlying OS and platform GUI layer, and thus could be ported to a completely new platform without too much difficulty"
BSD
y
 
y
y
 
 
y
 y
BeOS
Zune
Amiga MUI clone for X11
LGPL
y
               
Name
Comments
license
Unix X11 +
UnixX11 +Motif
MS Win 95/98
MS Win NT/2000/
XP/Vista
MS Win 3.1
OS/2 PM
MacOS
NextStepOpenStep
MacOS X
other platforms
(+X11 has been ported to OS/2 so theoretically X-based toolkits work in OS/2 X11 as well. see Xfree86/OS2)

to top

Java oriented
Ada
  • RAPID, Rapid Ada Portable Interface Design tool,. generates Ada code using a platform independent GUI library. (Current implementations utilize the TASHbinding to Tcl/Tk, the GNAT to JVM compiler, the Microsoft .NET framework, or GtkAd)
BASIC
  • wxBasic, a BASIC interpreter with bindings for WxWidfgets (LGPLed)
  • JAPI,binding for Java AWT (LGPLed)
LISP
Tcl
  • Tk,the standard widget set for Tcl, for X11, MS Windows, and MacOS.
  • itcl ([incrTcl]), with itk ([incrTk]) and [ incr Widgets] ,object-oriented extension to the Tcl language and associated mega-widgetset and GUI framework.
  • BLT extensionto the Tk toolkit.
  • Tix, the Tk InterfaceExtension.
  • TclMotif, Motif binding for Tcl.
  • BWidgets ,"a professional look&feel Toolkit.  Everything is native so noplatform compilation, no compiled extension library needed. In Pure Tcl/Tk.For Unix, Windows and Mac."  ( LGPLed)
  • Tcl-gtk , gtk+ binding for Tcl
  • PicoGUI

Pascal

Modula 2

Perl
Python
Javascript
  • Vexi written in Java, Vexi applications are written in a combination of XML and JavaScript  (core GPLed, widgets LGPLed)

Scheme (including Guile)
Oberon
Smalltalk
  • Squeak, an advanced SmallTalk environment (including GUI support natively) (license)
Prolog
S-Lang
Pike

Lua

Others

  • CoderForm, a presentation and layout manager for .NET desktop applications, allowing creating the GUI from any .Net language
to top

Commercial Toolkits

C/C++ oriented

  
Name 
Comments
Unix X11
Unix X11Motif
MS Win 95/98
MS Win NT/2000/
XP/Vista
MS Win 3.1
OS/2 PM
MacOS
NextSTEPOpenSTEP
MacOS X
Amiga
MFC
Microsoft Foundation Class library. probably themost dominant toolkit today
  y (3rd party,MainWin)
y (3rd party,Bristol)
y
y
y
 
(add-on)
   
OWL
Borland Object Windows Library. once the king before MFC comes... ( OWL resources )
   
y
y
y
  ?
?
   
VCL
Visual Component Library, Borland/Inprise's curent-generation GUI class library
 
 
y
y
         
CLX (Component Library for Cross-platform) Cross-platform library for Delphi , Kylix and CBuilder - Based on topof Qt, works on Win32 and GNU/Linux (x86) y
  y
y
         
ClassAct
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
y
CPLAT
a C++ framework for Mac and Windows
 
y
y
y(?)
 
y
 
 
CroPL
a C++ application framework and utility library for single-source Mac/Windows applications
 
 
y
y
 
 
y
y
 
Framework rich DOS-based business application development environment, orginated from Ashton-Tate's Framework product, with FRED. Object-Function-Based, Text-Aware, rapid application development Language                  
Galaxy
  well established, cross-platform framework  
( companyout of business)
 
y
y
y
y
y
y
   
ILOGViews
well established, cross-platform framework. commercialproduct with capabilities similar to Interviews
y
y
y
y
y
y
     
JX a full-featured C++ application framework and widget library (SDK) for use with the X Window System y                
Latitude (product dropped?)
MacOS API on Unix and Mac OS X (OpenStep)
y
 
 
 
 
 
native
y
 
MacAPP
Apple 's Mac framework, probably the first widely available GUI framework.   No longer supported by Apple  but third party development at http://www.clubmacapp.com/
   
y (unfinished)
y (unfinished)
   
y
y
 
MainWin/XDE
MS Win API on X11.
y
 
 native
 native
 native
 
 
 
 
MUI
"Magic User Interface", popular in Amigacommunity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
y
NoWait
a shareware GUI Application framework.
 
 
y
y
y
y
     
ObjectViews(product dropped?)
commercial version of Interviews, OpenLook or Motif look and feel, switchable on the fly
 
unfinished 
unfinished
         
OpenClass
from IBM/Taligentfor IBM VisualAge for C++also supports OS/400
 
y (AIX and Sun Solaris only)
 
  
  
  
Presenter (OpenInterface Element)
full-featured, strong international language support,  high performance GUI, rich widget set, supported worldwide
y
y
y
y
y
 
   y
  
  
OpenStep (Cocoa)
Apple's application API for developing Mac OS X applicationsworking on different platforms
 
 
y (?)
y (?)
 
 y (?)
 
native
 
OpenUI
really a User Interface Management System
 
y
y
y
y
y
y
 
 
PowerPlant
 included with Metrowerk's Mac OS compilers.    
   
y
   
Qt
an advanced, high quality toolkit. free/open source license available..Version 3 released.
y
 
y
y
y
 
  see Mac OS X
y
 
SansGUI
An object-oriented modeling and simulation environment for 
developing and deploying scientific and engineering 
applications 
without writing any GUI code. Support Visual C++ and Compaq Visual Fortran.
 
 
y
y
         
SL-GMS
specialized framework for dynamic graphics for monitoringand control Systems, can integrate with other "native" frameworks
 
y
y
y
?
 
     
StarView
no longer available?  (see OpenOffice)
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
   
Think Class Library
An early commercial GUI framework for Mac
           
y
   
ViewKit ( SGI,ICS)
 C++ framework for Motif
 
y
 y
 
 
 
 
 
ViewTouch
"open framework source for rapid development of opennetwork computing applications" such as touchscreen
y (withlesstif )
 y
 
 
         
WindU
MS Win API on Motif, with MFCsupport
 
y
native
native 
native 
 
 
 
 
WM_Motif
MS Win API on Motif
 
y
native 
native 
native 
 
 
 
 
WNDX
 
 
y
y
y
y
 
y
 
 
X Designer
really a GUI builder. Unix version includes partial MFCi mplementation on Motif
 
y
             
XVT
  well established, cross-platform framework
 
y
y
y
y
y
y
 y  
zAPP
  well established, cross-platform framework.No longer available.
 
?
?
?
?
?
     
Zinc
well established, cross-platform framework. supports24 platforms (including MS DOS and Unix text mode)freely available for  non-embedded use
 
y
y
y
y
y
 
   
Java Oriented
C#
  • WinForm, the standard C# GUI class library/framework.
Ada
  • CLAW,Ada framework  for Windows 95/NT
  • ObjectAda, Ada compiler/development environment, including GUI bindings for Windows,X/Motif
Fortran
  • Winteractera modern GUI toolset for the Fortran 90/95 programming language, for Windows and Linux
LISP
Pascal (including Delphi)
  • VCL(Visual Component Library), the GUI foundation for Inprise/Borland'spopular RAD tool Delphi, forWin 3.1/95/98/NT, "object-oriented component framework delivers the only truecomponent architecture with over 200 visual and non-visual components thatare completely reusable and extendable"
  • CLX, Cross-platform library for Delphi , Kylix and CBuilder - Based on top of Qt, works on Win32 and GNU.Linux (x86)
Fortran
  • SancsGUI, for Compaq Visual Fortran, An object-oriented modeling and simulation environment for developing and deploying scientific and engineering applications without writing any GUI code. For 32-bit Windows.
Misc
  • XPCE, GUI system for Prolog, Lisp and C++.
  • MetaCard, a Hypercard-typescript language with integrated GUI library, for Unix/X11 and MS Win 3.1/95/NT.
to top

Related Links

Other GUI Toolkit Pages

X Windows/Motif

Alternative Windowing Systems

  • Fresco (Berlin), an attempt to provide an alternative to X Windows.Also listed as a free GUI toolkit
  • MiniGUI, small windowing system for embedded applications
  • Microwindows (NanoGUI), small windowing system for embedded applications, for DOS, MS Windows, Unix, Linux SVGAlib, Linux kernel framebuffer (MPLed/GPLed)
  • DirectFB,  a thin library that provides hardware graphics acceleration, input device handling and abstraction, integrated windowing system with support for translucent windows and multiple display layers on top of the Linux Framebuffer Device. (LGPLed)
  • PicoGUI
  • Y Widnow System

Papers on GUI

Drag and Drop protocols


Commercial Java Systems

Organizations for Free Software
Important Free Software Projects
Free Object-oriented Componet Software Framework
Free Java Systems/Compilers
  • JDK(Java Development Kit), from Sun / Javasoft.( Linux version )(SGI version)
  • Kaffe , a Java virtual machine from TransVirtual ,and just-in-time compiler, works on most Unix's, MS Win 95, NextStep and Amiga (GPLed).
  • Japhar , a free JVM from the Hungry Programmers ,the offical GNU Java VM (LGPLed).
  • Guavac, a GPLed Java source-to-bytecode compiler written in C++.
  • Jikes, a Java source-to-bytecode compiler, faster Javac replacement
  • Jump, a Java source-to-bytecode compiler with non-standard Java language extension,10 to 30 times faster than Javac
  • j2c, a Java class file-to-C translator
  • Toba, a Java class file-to-C translator, for standalone applications (not applets).
  • gcj, the GNU Java compiler 
Free C# Systems/Compilers
  • Mono, an effort to create an Open Source implementation of the .NET Development Framework. Includes: a compiler for the C# language, a runtime for the Common Language Infrastructure and a set of class libraries  (GPLed plus exceptions for linking)
  • DotGNU, including Portable.NET, an effort to create an alternative to Microsoft .NET, including C# compiler and run-time libraries. (GPLed plus exceptions for linking)
Library Binding Generation Tool
  • SWIG (Simplified Warpper and Interface Generator), "a program development tooldesigned to make it easy to build scripting language interfaces to C/C++ programs."
GUI Toolkit Implementation Utility Libraries
  • libsigc++,"a library implements a full callback system for use in widget libraries,abstract  interfaces, and general programming."  (LGPLed)
Graphical Desktop Environments
  • CDE, Common Desktop Environment, the commercially standard Unix desktop
  • KDE , the K(ool) Desktop Environment, based on Qt.
  • GNOME, GNU Network Object Model Environment, based on gtk .
  • XFCE , a lightweight desktopenvironment for various UNIX systems, based on gtk
  • GNUStep , the free softwareimplementation of the OpenStep desktop environment
  • FLEK, an application framework "environment" based on Fltk
  • Equinox Desktop Environment, based on Fltk
Others
  • Mesa, a 3D graphics library providing an Open GL API, licensed under BSD (X11)-style license and now part of XFree86
  • GLUT,the OpenGL Utility Toolkit, a window system independent toolkit for writingOpenGL programs
  • vtk , The VisualizationToolkit (C++ API) ( license)
  • GIMP , the GNU Image Manipulation Program, a Photoshop-style painting program, licensedunder GPL.
  • FilmGIMP, a fork of GIMP for movie editing.
  • ImageMagick, a set of powerful image manipulation/processing programs. Functions availableto other programs via a rich API.(BSD-stylelicense)
  • libart (alt site)GNOME/RaphLevien's advanced 2D graphics library (LGPLed)
  • Zodius, a C++, easy-to-use 2D graphics library (BSD-style license)
  • Cario, a LGPLed/MPLed  "vector graphics library designed to provide high-quality display and print output. Currently available output targets include the X Window System, OpenGL (via [WWW]glitz), Quartz, win32, in-memory image buffers, PNG images, PostScript, and PDF files. Some of these backends are still experimental. Cairo is designed to produce identical output on all output media while taking advantage of display hardware acceleration when available (eg. through the X Render Extension or OpenGL)." Possibly the standard 2D graphic API on free OSes.
Companies developing/supporting FreeSoftware
Other Free Software websites
to top  

If you think anything is incorrect orwant to provide more information for inclusion in this page, please contact(via e-mail)

Andy Tai

Copyright 

© Copyright 1997-2003, 2005, 2007 AD ( ROC Years 86-92, 94, 96), by Li-Cheng (Andy) Tai, All rights reserved. 

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

page created Apr 19, 1997 (86)

 
 
 
 
 
 
      有几个小伙伴看完啦? 看完的老板会多发年终奖哟^_^ 
    由于这里不仅介绍了C++,还介绍了其他语言,那我们就挑少的先讲吧。
 
一、C#
    其中C#的库是最少的,只有Mono和DotGNU两个,而其中的 Mono就是逆天了的跨平台C#库啦,很多人感慨如果C#这么方便的语言可以在linux上用就爽歪歪啦,这不,Mono不仅可以在linux PC机上运行,还可以在Android上运行,谁说微软不跨平台了!
    Alberl之前只是听说.NET拖拖控件就可以做出很漂亮的界面,结果发现连直线、圆形都可以直接拖上去,没想到有这么方便! 在向8年.NET经验的同事请教了之后,发现.NET简直完爆VC++的那一系列界面(如MFC、WTL),MFC要好多个步骤才能搞定布局、自适应窗口大小、改变背景色、控件透明等等,但是在.NET上都是动动鼠标、右键完事。哎,说真的,搞得Alberl当时都惊呆了!!! 
    如果只是开发普通样式的界面, 真的不用考虑MFC了! 不过话说回来,如果要开发出QQ、金山那样的界面,.NET也是需要做很多事情的,虽然只要花时间就可以完成(而MFC是花时间也不一定能完成的,还需要有比较高的水平),但如果VC++用上开源界面库的话,就比.NET要爽很多啦~
 
二、Python、Lua、Perl
    这几个脚本语言也有人去折腾界面,其中wxPython还被标记成【good】,可见也是做得很不错的。
 
三、Java
    Java的界面库也有十多款,其中SWT被标记成【good】,介绍说是标准的工具,Eclipse的一部分。(Alberl对GWT比较眼熟,可能是记错了)
 
四、SDL
    小伙伴们会发现有很多SDL字样,那么SDL是何物呢? 还记得第一篇教程吗? 那个ffmpeg播放视频就是用的SDL。 SDL在多媒体和游戏领域可是非常出名的哦。VLC的播放也可以用SDL哦~
 
五、C++
    可以看到,C#和Java的界面库很少,而C++的多到看不完,难道是C++很强大? 错,同一类型的 开源库越多,就说明这个方向越弱。而C#和Java的界面库之所以这么少,是因为他们的界面库已经能满足目前绝大部分需求了,无需其他界面库了。而C++却一直没有一个好点的界面库,所以总是有大牛觉得其他界面库不好用,于是就有了各种各样的界面库,并且十多年过去了,还没有定论,哪一种界面库都没能一统天下。
    不过C++的界面库是分linux和Windows的,两个平台的形势大不一样。
linux
    linux下面就简单多了,由于其应用大部分都没有界面的,有界面的要求也不是很高,所以现有的开源库已经能够满足需求了,而在上述这么多开源库中,只有 QT被标记为【Best】,可见QT是非常被认可的。而linux下就以QT最为权威了,而WxWidgets、GTK、GTK+、Fltk也比较著名,linux嵌入式下miniGUI最为著名(终于看到中国人的开源项目被世界认可了^_^),其他的很多界面库就不提了,总之,linux下面,有这些界面库已经够用了。
windows商业库
    那么windows下的形势就完全不同啦,不仅开源库很多,而且商业库也很多,其中不仅有大公司的商业库,也有很多小公司的商业库,竞争非常激烈,不过微软是其中的巨头!上述列表中提到的OWL、VCL、CLX都是Delphi里面的,Delphi已经被淘汰了。而MFC被列在第一位,其他商业库基本没听说过,可见MFC是唯一的知名商业库,已经打败了其他商业库一统天下了。
    而其中并没有列出win32,可以说把win32和MFC混为一谈也没什么不可以。既然混为一谈的话,那么也就是说这些东西都是建立在win32的基础上,那么刚刚说的小公司的商业库就不能说是界面库的竞争者了,而Alberl说的这些小公司指的是国内所谓DirectUI的公司,从上述列表来看,都是以平台来做比较的,而那些DirectUI公司都没有自己的平台,都是建立在win32的基础上,所以根本都没资格排到这里来。所以这些DirectUI公司,其实可以和BCG、XTP这些公司并为一列,那就是说他们不是平台,而是建立在win32这个平台上的一堆库而已。
    BCG、XTP都称自己是控件库公司,建立在win32或者MFC之上;而天朝公司一向喜欢故弄玄虚,炒作概念,号称是一个界面平台,搞得好像他们有自己的平台一样,其实他们还是建立在win32的平台上,还是要靠微软,还是windows编程。而所谓的适用于多种编程语言,并不是他们的库有多么NB,因为只要是标准的dll,就可以被任何支持dll的语言调用,但在他们的宣传中,让人感觉就是:好像dll本身不能被多种语言调用一样,好像是被他们改进之后才有这个功能一样o(╯□╰)o。
    好吧,商业公司中当然是BCG、XTP最为著名啦,他们都是建立在win32或者MFC之上,作为一个辅助而已。
windows开源库
    虽然上面列举了 上百款开源库,并且很多都是 跨平台的,但除了QT在windows上闯出了名气以外,其他几个还是只能在linux称王。不得不说微软的产品线做的非常完善,不然早就被linux那一堆跨平台打垮了。也不得不说windows的占有率非常之高,导致很多公司只做windows平台,压根不需考虑linux,所以那些所谓的跨平台对很多公司真的是一点吸引力都没有!(智能手机大量流行之后除外,也就是2011年之后)
    其实呢,这些界面库在国外应该是够用啦,看看国外那些杀毒软件,在国内比起来简直是土鳖界面,但在国外却是比较好看的界面。像MSN、GTalk、Skype,界面也是一般般啦,用用MFC、自绘控件、商业库(BCG、XTP),也是很容易做出来的。不过MSN是DirectUI,国内火爆的炒作DirectUI也提到了MSN,其实微软技术这么牛,平台都是自己做的,技术根本就不是问题啦,所以微软的某个东西用的什么技术成功了,不代表我们就能成功,我们能和微软去比么...  那说说GTalk、Skype吧,不过Alberl没安装过着两款应用,所以无从说起,还请网友们提供测评信息~O(∩_∩)O~ 
    那再说说火狐系列吧,从火狐浏览器、Thunderbird等一系列火狐产品,都是用的自主开发的 XUL,并且效果都不错! 那我们也去用XUL? 不过Alberl也不知道有没有其他公司用XUL,还请网友们提供信息。并且XUL是人家自己开发的,有问题了随时可以解决。咱们要是出了问题,找谁解决,去哪找资料?
    看来windows下的界面库还真是windows一统天下了,还真得靠win32提供的消息机制了。不过好消息还是有的,即使要靠win32平台,也有很多不错的界面库。并且还有更多的不靠win32平台的开源库。由于本节只是介绍C++ Native界面库,所以Web界面库以及依赖win32的界面库将在下一个教程中介绍~O(∩_∩)O~
    需要提醒的是,Alberl并没有一一去对比上面列举的上百款界面库,只是挑了一些著名的库做介绍,并且介绍也 都是道听途说的,没有亲自验证,还请各位网友对Alberl的介绍持怀疑态度,如果有哪位网友对其中的界面库有过深入的了解, 希望能提供一些信息。
    最后感叹一下:哎,怎么老外动不动就自己开发框架呀,怎么咱们动不动就到处找别人的框架呀o(╯□╰)o
 
;