Is there way to use QT Designer UI forms so you get direct access to the form widgets in your program?

SGaist

That's why I asked about the backend implementation ;)

Your widgets should be responsible for connecting to the backend so one way to do that is to add a setupBackend method to them and in there do all the connection needed. Doing so you have access directly to said widget internal details thus if you modify it, you only have to change code within that widget. This keeps your code clean and easy to maintain.

Crag_Hack

You're talking about my form top level widgets right? So I just add the method to the form class? How do I connect signals and slots between the form and the backend then? Also curious about your mention of the possibility of direct access in the first reply - can you elaborate a little?
Thanks again

SGaist

I mean any widgets you build that would need a connection to your backend.

You do the connections in that method i.e.:

void MyCoolWidget::setupBackend(MyCoolBackend *backend)
{
    connect(backend, &MyCoolBackend::stringBasedSignal, ui->statusLabel, &QLabel::setText);
    // etc.
}

That way all the code stays in MyCoolWidget and if you change that class e.g. you replace the QLabel by a QLineEdit, you only have to modify setupBackend. No need to hunt every line where you could have done a connection between MyCoolWidget and MyCoolBackend.

You can give access to the ui variable from your widgets. Again, I very strongly advice to not do such a thing.

Crag_Hack

What if I have to go the other way around? - click a button on a widget and do some backend stuff. Also as you probably figured out I'm a newbie to all this stuff. I have a background in data structures and basic programming and inheritance etc... - I'm basically an intermediate level programmer. Can you recommend any books or tutorials to help me out with this scenario of backend vs fronted and ui forms specifcally QT? Thanks :)

SGaist

Same principle:

void MyCoolWidget::setupBackend(MyCoolBackend *backend)
{
    connect(backend, &MyCoolBackend::stringBasedSignal, ui->statusLabel, &QLabel::setText);
    connect(ui->startButton, &QPushButton::clicked, backend, &MyCoolBackend::igniteToaster);
    // etc.
}

This book might be of interest. Look for the parts about the Façade pattern.

Crag_Hack

If I were to read one QT book... which would you suggest? :) The same? Perhaps just the Facade pattern then another book? I'll stop bugging you now ...

mrjj

@Crag_Hack
Hi
When i started with Qt, i like to browse around in this one
http://www.bogotobogo.com/cplusplus/files/c-gui-programming-with-qt-4-2ndedition.pdf
I find it goes well with Qt docs to learn about different classes and ways to structure the app.

Crag_Hack

Do either of those books cover how to make graphical renditions of widgets like special cool looking buttons and windows etc? Thanks. That's all folks!

SGaist

What kind of special cool looking buttons do you have in mind ?

Crag_Hack

These are a good example... just general graphic design for guis.
samsung ssd magician
mozy

Crag_Hack

It does appear deceptively complicated to me initially but upon second look actually looks kinda simple :) toughest part being developing an eye for such things

SGaist

For the first one I'd recommend going with QtQuick, that will be easier to build. The second can be accomplished with widgets with some styling but again, you'll likely be faster with QtQuick to do it.

Crag_Hack

I'd rather not use QT Quick unless it's necessary because I'm not familiar with it. Maybe I should bite the bullet and learn it... With widgets though do those books teach you how to do gradients / style sheets / icons and graphics etc so you can make great looking programs? Also if QT Quick is super easier and more effective can I integrate with my C++ backend?