Quick User Interfaces with Qt

Getting Started with Qt Quick

As Qt 4.7 recently was released, Qt Quick is becoming available through the repositories of most distributions. Some distributions choose to package Qt in several packages, so make sure you get the Qt development package, the Qt Creator package and all Qt modules, especially those referencing to Qt declarative. In the Linux world, I recommend you use the facilities provided by your distribution to install and maintain your software. However, for those of you needing a particular version of the Qt tools, or if you are using a distribution that doesn't include Qt, you can download the Qt SDK from Nokia's Web site.

The package that you want is the Qt SDK, available from qt.nokia.com/downloads. Simply download the file, chmod it to make it executable and run the installer. You can install it in your home directory if you do not have root access. The SDK includes tools, demos, sources and documentation, all in one convenient package.

Limitations of Widgets

There are a number of limitations imposed from building user interfaces with widgets that are addressed when switching to a graphics view-based approach. One obvious limitation is that widgets are rectangular and like to be arranged side by side, which makes it hard to arrange non-rectangular items in a good manner.

Another limitation is that widgets clip their children, which means children cannot extend outside their parent widget. Take a simple effect, such as having parts of a user interface explode. In that case, clipping is a limiting factor.

Another feature that widget-based systems usually do not support is sub-pixel resolution for item dimensions and placement. Also, transformations, such as scaling and rotation, are not supported by widgets. In a scene, all these features can be used to achieve the best possible visual experience.

Taking transformations over time, it becomes obvious that widgets are not meant to slide, bounce or generally move about. They are designed to be arranged in layouts based on grids, columns and rows, and they provide users with a standardized, structured user interface. This is very good when the user is using the computer as a computer. When the user is using a device, this type of computer interface is not the most appropriate solution.