In this portion of our guide to computer programming languages, we will be focusing on the QML programming language.
Also known as Qt Meta-Object Language or Qt Modeling Language, QML is an integral part of the Qt framework, offering tools for creating cross-platform applications.
QML is a declarative language specifically designed for building user interfaces (UIs). Unlike traditional procedural coding, where UIs are constructed step by step, QML allows designers to describe UI structure and behavior using a hierarchical structure of objects and properties.
Created by the Qt Company, Qt is a robust C++ framework that provides libraries, tools, and APIs for application development. Qt developers can create applications for desktop, mobile, and embedded systems using Qt, as one of its standout features is its cross-platform compatibility, which allows code to be written once and deployed across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
QML employs a clean and intuitive syntax, inspired by JavaScript. In QML, developers describe UI components and their interactions declaratively, an approach that enables rapid prototyping, efficient development, and easier maintenance of UI code. Developers can create expressive and intuitive UIs by focusing on structure and appearance.
QML's simplicity and features facilitate rapid UI development. Developers can create reusable UI components, streamlining the design process, and automatic UI resizing can be achieved through layouts. Through its dynamic property bindings, fine-tuning UI behavior becomes straightforward.
As QML integrates seamlessly with existing C++ code, developers can combine the declarative power of QML with the robustness and performance of C++, which enables the development of complex applications in which UI and backend functionality work together seamlessly.
The cross-platform nature of Qt extends to QML. Developers can create UIs that run on multiple operating systems without significant modifications. This saves development time and resources since UIs can be shared across platforms.
Qt includes an integrated development environment (IDE), which provides a visual editor for QML programming. Designers and developers can collaborate effectively within the IDE, bridging the gap between UI design and implementation.
The expressiveness and ease of use make QML a preferred choice for modern UI development.
Among the applications of QML are mobile applications, embedded systems, desktop software, and multimedia applications.
Qt and QML allow developers to build cross-platform applications with captivating UIs.
Qt is the comprehensive C++ framework for application development, while QML is a declarative language within Qt designed for creating user interfaces. Together, they facilitate the building of cross-platform applications with expressive and efficient UIs. Qt provides the foundation, while QML shapes the visual experience.
Recommended Resources
This is the official tutorial for the Qt Meta-Object Language (QML), a declarative language used for creating user interfaces (UIs) in Qt applications. The tutorial introduces QML, emphasizing key principles and gradually introducing features, covering basic types, QML components, states and transitions, and example code, including the traditional "Hello World" program and more advanced topics. It doesn't cover every aspect of QML but focuses on essential concepts.
https://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qml-tutorial.html
The documentation pages for the cross-platform software development framework known as Qt offer access to get and install Qt, build Qt from source, or access Qt Debian packages. Documentation for Qt5 and Qt6 and additional libraries, tutorials for those who are new to Qt, and instructions for porting from Qt5 to Qt6 are included, along with other tools (Qt Creator, Design Studio, and some quality assurance tools) and embedded resources. Links to external resources are included.
https://doc.qt.io/
The Qt Group is a global software company that offers cross-platform solutions for the entire software development lifecycle. Its blog features insights and updates related to Qt and cross-platform development. Announcements, tips, and suggestions for using Qt and other software development topics are included. A free guide is also available for those new to Qt for WebAssembly, identifying the product, what can be built with it, and where to find additional information.
https://www.qt.io/blog
RIP Tutorial: Getting Started with QML
RIP Tutorial is a resource for learning various programming languages, technologies, frameworks, and tools, including object-relational mapping, web development, programming languages, and frameworks. In this section, a tutorial on QML (Qt Meta-Object Language), a declarative language used for designing user interfaces in Qt applications, offers tutorials, examples, and guidance on using the language. Qt versions are listed, and integrating with C++ is included.
https://riptutorial.com/qml
Udemy: From Start to Finish: Qt & QML Online Multiplayer Game
Including 6.5 hours of on-demand video, 3 downloadable resources, access on mobile and TV, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion, this course is designed to teach the student to create UI Mockups using Figma, identify various build issues and to debug and fix them, create an online multiplayer game with a Qt/C++ backend and QML front end, and to deploy a server application to the cloud, and have a desktop client application to communicate with the server.
https://www.udemy.com/course/from-start-to-finish-qt-qml-online-multiplayer-game/
Udemy: The Complete Qt-QML with C++
Udemy is an online educational platform offering courses on a wide variety of topics. This course is advertised as a complete course in Qt-Quick and QML, covering how to build UI in the Qt-QML framework, integrating QML and CPP, an overview of Qt-Core and Qt-Quick internals, project configurations, an overview of the JavaScript environment, and others, which are listed here. The course includes 14.5 hours of on-demand video, 30 downloadable resources, and a certificate of completion.
https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-qt-qmlpp/
