Getting Started with GTK

GTK is a widget toolkit. Each user interface created by GTK consists of UI elements known as widgets.

The GTK programming interface is based on Object Orientation; widgets are organized in a hierarchy of classes—for instance, the window widget is also a specialised container, called a “bin”, that can hold at most one child widget. A window will be able to use functions that pertain to the widget, container, bin, and window classes.

Each user interface is built by adding buttons, text labels, input fields, drop down menus, and other widgets to a window.

If you are creating complex user interfaces, it is recommended to describe the structure of your window using the GtkBuilder XML description format, instead of assembling it manually.

GTK is event-driven. The toolkit listens for events such as a pointer click on a button, or a window resize, and notifies the widgets in your application.

Follow the “Hello World” to learn how to write your first GTK application.

Use the GTK API reference to learn more about the functionality provided by GTK.