This library contains all KInterfaceDesigner classes and interfaces which form the core of GUI Designer integration framework.Link with: -lkinterfacedesigner
Include path: -I$(kde_includes)/kinterfacedesigner
Overview of GUI designer integration process
Each KPart that wants to act as a GUI Designer must implement KInterfaceDesigner::Designer interface. It defines necessary Q_SIGNALS to communicate with an IDE and abstract virtual functions to determine designer type.
If a part which can "design" user interface files of a certain mimetype implements this interface and sets itself as a default handler for that mimetype then it becomes automatically integrated into TDevelop IDE.
When a part is embedded into TDevelop shell, its Q_SIGNALS (defined in KInterfaceDesigner::Designer interface):
are connected to corresponding Q_SLOTS of TDevelop designer integration engine which can be implemented in TDevelop language support plugin.
Each language support which wants to use integrated designer, must reimplement
method and return designer integration object.
Convenience designer integration support library is available for programming language support developers. With the convenience library writing Qt designer integration for the language is a trivial task.
TDevelop Designer technical overview
TDevelop version >= 3.1 comes with a customized version (fork ;)) of Qt Designer. It is called TDevelop Designer (KDevDesigner, kdevdesigner from the command line). KDevDesigner has some important differences:
- KDevDesigner provides a read/write KPart which can be embedded into any application which wants to edit .ui files. TDevelop IDE embeds KDevDesigner this way.
- KDevDesigner uses KDE icons and dialogs and thus provides better integration with a system.
It is safe to preview forms with some KDE widgets from tdeui and tdeio libraries - KDevDesigner part is linked to those libraries so it will not crash under some circumstances.
KDevDesigner will not create .ui.h files - this feature is completely disabled. Integrated KDevDesigner will use subclassing approach, standalone does not allow to enter code.
Other information
- Note
- It is technically possible to integrate not only Qt Designer, but also, for example, Glade. Glade-3 can be compiled as a library and probably be embedded via XParts technology.