“IronPython + .NET” vs “Python + PyQt”. Which one is better for Windows App development?

Question

I\'m new in using Python. I would like to develop Windows GUI Application using Python. After some research, I found that I have 2 options:-

1. IronPython + .NET Fram

Answer 1

First, there are lots more than 2 options (python has more GUI libraries than you can shake a stick at), but let's go on your premise for a minute. "Better" being subjective begs the question: "what do you want to learn?"

If the goal is Windows GUI Applications development, than I'd go with .Net. .Net is well respected, there is lots of work for .Net programmers, and it's windows centric nature (yeah I know there's Mono but still) means you aren't trying to think about details of three+ sets of user expectations.

If the goal is to learn widely used Python libraries and techniques, I'd go with PyQt (and recently did). It's cross-platform, well respected, and has a large community. But you lose the chance to learn the .Net platform as part of this project.

I don't think you can loose either way if your goal is to learn. If your goal is to get something done, think about the long-term plans for the project and where its going over the long run. Do you want something that's well integrated into the Windows user-interface, and uses standard widgets? Do you want something that can easily be adapted to other platforms in the future?