Tkinter is Python’s standard library for building graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This beginner guide covers the window, widgets, layout methods, menus, message boxes, and other building blocks used in a simple desktop application.
Before you begin
Some familiarity with Python basics—variables, data types, conditionals, loops, and functions—will help. Tkinter is included with Python, so it can be used without installing a separate Tkinter package. You can write Python code in an IDE or text editor such as VS Code, PyCharm, Sublime Text, or Notepad++.
Create a main window
Import Tkinter, create the main Tk object, set a window title, and start the event loop. The main loop keeps the application responsive to actions such as clicks, keyboard input, and closing the window.
import tkinter as tk
root = tk.Tk()
root.title("My Application")
root.mainloop()Set the window size and position
Use the window’s geometry() method to set its size. A value such as 400x300 sets width and height; a value such as 400x300+100+100 also sets the x and y position.
Add and arrange widgets
A Label displays text or an image. Its options can include text, fg for foreground color, font, and bg for background color. A Button receives clicks and can use a command callback to call a function. An Entry accepts text; a string variable can hold the value, and .get() reads it.
Tkinter provides several layout managers. pack arranges widgets in a simple sequence, grid places them in rows and columns, and place positions them using coordinates. Arrange widgets with the method that best fits the interface.
Respond to user actions
Write a function for the action a button should perform, then connect it through the button’s command option. The same event-driven approach can be used to read an entry field and update what the application displays.
Create menus and message boxes
The Menu class can create a main menu and submenus. Use add_cascade() to attach a submenu and add_command() to add an action. Message boxes can display information with showinfo() or ask a question with askquestion().
Multiple windows, closing, and color selection
The source describes creating another window for a second screen, using destroy() to close a window, and using Tkinter’s color chooser to let a user select a color. For a larger application, organize each window and its widgets so that the interface remains understandable.
Putting the pieces together
A basic Tkinter application can combine a titled main window, labels, buttons, entry fields, layout managers, callbacks, menus, message boxes, and a color chooser. Start with a small interface and add screens or features as needed.
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