GUI controls for instrumentation

[Lamont R. Peterson]

On Friday 24 March 2006 07:37pm, Kenneth Porter wrote:
> I'm tasked to write a front end for an instrumentation application for
> "that other operating system" ;) and I'd like to use GUI controls that are
> cross-platform portable for an eventual Linux port. What would the list
> recommend? I essentially need something that resembles the front panel of
> an oscilloscope, along with some dial indicators and knobs. I've also been
> thinking about making it web-accessible, so perhaps a Java-based solution
> would be suitable.

Qt.

Trust me, I've written enough code in various languages and using various 
frameworks and toolkits to know that when you want stable, simple, reliable 
cross-platform code, Qt is excellent.

But, on this list in particular, I know there will be many who will think me 
an idiot for making that recommendation.  I'm not saying that Qt is the 
end-all, be-all of code.

I know that several people will want to point out how C++ is a "bad" language.  
Some will try to tell you how Qt's licensing is "not free".  Others will tell 
you that performance will be horrible if you go with Qt.

Well, I will let them have their opinions.

In the end, you have to make your choice.  So I recommend that to take an 
*objective* look at all the options suggested.  Don't let the fact that this 
solution or that is in a language you are less familiar with (or do not know) 
sway you, either.  Sure, it's a normal metric to include, but it should never 
be an absolute blocker, IMHO.

Qt is free and you can get a commercial license, as well.

C++ with Qt is a very easy to read, write and use language.  The flexibility 
and simplicity of your code will amaze you.

C++ can outperm C for the same task.  Mind you, I'm not saying that it will 
without work, but it has been shown to do so in many instances.

Qt performance is excellent.  In fact, it's very hard to beat.

Qt is small.  Including the libraries for Windows deployments is very easy.

Let the flames begin. :)

P.S.  Please, don't flame on this list.
-- 
Lamont R. Peterson <lamont at gurulabs.com>
Senior Instructor
Guru Labs, L.C. [ http://www.GuruLabs.com/ ]
GPG Key fingerprint: F98C E31A 5C4C 834A BCAB  8CB3 F980 6C97 DC0D D409
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