Recommendations for developing first Linux native desktop application?

[u/disarmingbanter]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to develop a timer application for Linux with a simple GUI. It's mostly intended to be practice working with software that's not just simple CLI or web-based programs.

In my research I've seen a lot of suggestions and don't feel like I have a good enough understanding of the differences between languages and how programming UI works for me to pick a language/framework without some help. I'm concerned I'll get too deep into the process and realize the choice was not a good pick for what I need. Some of the suggestions I've heard include:

• C++ and Qt
• Java
• C#
• Vala

I currently have experience with C, C++, Python, HTML/CSS, and some JS. I would consider myself above beginner level with programming, maybe at a late-beginner/early-intermediate level if that makes sense? I'll primarily be developing the application for a KDE Plasma DE but am interested in cross-platform/portable potential. My goal is not necessarily to use the most optimal setup possible, instead a realistic but approachable framework that will help me get started working with GUI programming. I'd appreciate any advice/recommendations you have.

Thanks! :)

[u/zomerbk]

For the GUI, I’d start with Qt Widgets in PySide6. It lets you learn buttons, layouts, and signals without learning QML at the same time. For the countdown, use a monotonic clock to calculate the time remaining and a QTimer to refresh the display; UI updates can run late, so counting timer callbacks can drift.