DEV Community: Kinjal Prajapati

Python GUI Frameworks and Libraries for Modern Application Development

Kinjal Prajapati — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:06:39 +0000

Python is often associated with automation, data analysis, and backend programming, but it can also be used to create desktop applications with interactive interfaces. From simple office utilities to software used for data visualisation, Python GUI development gives programmers a way to turn scripts and business processes into applications that people can operate through windows, buttons, menus, and forms.

Choosing a suitable framework is an important part of this process. Each Python GUI library has its own approach to interface design, platform support, and application development. The right choice depends on what the software needs to do and how its users will interact with it.

What Makes a Python GUI Application User-Friendly?

A useful graphical interface should help people complete tasks without unnecessary effort. Users should be able to understand the available options, find important controls, and recognise what happens after they perform an action.

For example, a desktop application used to manage customer records might include a search field, a table of results, and a form for updating details. Keeping these elements organised makes the application easier to operate than placing every available feature on a single screen.

Developers should also consider accessibility, screen size, keyboard navigation, and the way the application responds to errors. These requirements are important whether the software is intended for employees, customers, or technical teams.

Popular Python GUI Libraries and Their Uses

Tkinter for Small Desktop Tools

Tkinter is a practical starting point for developers who want to build simple graphical applications. It is included with many Python installations and provides basic components such as buttons, labels, text fields, and menus.

It can be used for calculators, file-processing utilities, data-entry tools, and small business applications. Its relatively straightforward structure makes it useful for learning GUI programming before moving to larger frameworks.

PyQt and PySide for Complex Applications

PyQt and PySide provide Python access to the Qt application framework. They offer a wide range of widgets and interface components for applications that need multiple screens, detailed forms, tables, or advanced controls.

These frameworks can support professional desktop software where the interface needs to handle several connected workflows. Developers should review the licensing terms of the selected Qt binding before using it in a commercial application.

Kivy for Touch-Based Interfaces

Kivy is designed for cross-platform graphical applications and supports touch interaction. It may be suitable for projects that need custom layouts or interfaces intended for mobile and desktop environments.

Its approach differs from traditional desktop toolkits, so developers should test how the application behaves on the devices and operating systems they plan to support.

wxPython for Native-Style Desktop Interfaces

wxPython connects Python with the wxWidgets toolkit. It provides interface components that can follow the familiar appearance and behaviour of desktop operating systems.

This makes it worth considering for applications where conventional menus, windows, and controls are important to the user experience.

Dear PyGui for Interactive Visual Tools

Dear PyGui is an option for applications that rely on interactive dashboards, visualisation, and dynamic controls. Its rendering approach can be useful for tools that display changing data or graphical information.

The framework should be evaluated against the application's actual performance needs rather than selected only because it offers a particular rendering feature.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Framework

The number of available Python GUI libraries can make the selection process confusing. A few practical questions can help narrow the options.
Application requirements: Identify the main tasks, interface components, and expected complexity before selecting a toolkit.

Platform support: Check whether the application needs to run on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices. Cross-platform support does not remove the need for testing on each target system.

Development experience: Consider the team's familiarity with Python, interface design, and the framework's programming model. Documentation and community resources can also affect development time.

Performance: Test the screens and operations that are most likely to place a load on the application. Large datasets, file processing, and frequent interface updates may require additional planning.

Licensing and deployment: Review licensing conditions, dependencies, packaging options, and installation requirements before committing to a framework.

Building an Application Around Real User Needs

A framework provides the components needed to create an interface, but the quality of the finished application depends on how those components are used.

Developers should test common user workflows, check whether important actions are easy to locate, and make sure the application provides clear feedback. Long-running operations should not leave the interface unresponsive, and error messages should explain what users can do next.

For business applications, it is also helpful to separate interface code from the logic that processes information. This makes future changes easier when the application needs new features, additional screens, or updated data sources.

Conclusion

Python GUI frameworks and libraries support a wide range of application requirements. Tkinter can be a sensible choice for small desktop utilities, PyQt and PySide can support complex interfaces, Kivy is worth considering for touch-based applications, and wxPython can suit native-style desktop software.

There is no single framework that fits every project. The best decision comes from understanding the intended users, required features, platform needs, and long-term maintenance plans.

How to Evaluate AI Agents Before Using Them in Your Business

Kinjal Prajapati — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:38:33 +0000

Use of artificial intelligence in the workplace is increasingly becoming common. The use of AI agents can assist organizations in managing their work in an effective manner. Knowledge about evaluation of AI agents is important for selection of a good solution by the organizations.

1. Check Task Completion

Begin with testing the AI agent with work it will perform frequently. For example, a customer service representative needs to respond to the questions, provide the necessary information, and refer complicated questions to the right departments.

Organizations that plan on adopting such systems may also try AI agent development services to understand how AI agents can benefit them.

2. Accuracy and Reliability of AI Agent's Measure

The AI agent must have the ability to provide correct answers and accomplish given tasks. This can be tested through issuing a variety of commands, incomplete data, and unusual requests. Such tests can uncover certain problems which might be undetected when demonstrating.

When considering how to evaluate AI agents, check whether they produce accurate results across repeated tests and handle unfamiliar situations appropriately.

3. Test Integrations and Tool Usage

Most artificial intelligence systems interact with APIs, databases, CRMs, and other business applications. See if the artificial intelligence system is using the right application, retrieving the right information, and performing the right action.

Another option is to use AI integration services offered by businesses.

4. Review Security and Operating Costs

Before deployment, review access control, handling of information, response times, and cost associated with task completion. It would be unacceptable if the agent could access sensitive information and undertake actions without proper security measures in place.

This will assist companies in determining the safety and feasibility of utilizing the AI solution.

5. Post-deployment Monitoring

Once the AI agent has been deployed, testing should still be ongoing. Task completion, errors, response times, and feedback from users are just some metrics that should be measured.

The guide on common errors in implementing AI can be used by businesses to prepare for incorporating AI into their current systems.

Conclusion

The process of evaluating the capabilities of artificial intelligence agents helps companies compare different options with respect to accuracy, efficiency, security, integration, and costs. This can be done prior to deploying the solution in order to make the right choice for the company's needs.

Shopify Statistics 2026: Revenue, Usage, and Store Data

Kinjal Prajapati — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 07:02:28 +0000

Shopify has become the widely used platform for businesses selling online, from small retailers to large brands. Its growing merchant base, transaction volume, and app ecosystem make Shopify statistics useful for understanding how the platform is being used in 2026.

Recent company data shows the continued growth in Shopify’s revenue and gross merchandise volume. At the same time, its expanding App Store and international reach give businesses more options for building and managing eCommerce stores.

Looking at Shopify revenue, usage, app adoption, store costs, and its business model provides a clearer picture of the platform’s current scale. These figures also help businesses assess what Shopify offers before choosing it for an eCommerce store.

Shopify Statistics at a Glance

The latest Shopify statistics show the scale of the platform and its continued growth. Shopify reports $378 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) in 2025, with approximately $1.6 trillion in total sales processed through the platform since its launch.

Shopify also says that millions of businesses across 175+ countries use its platform, supported by more than 21,000 apps in the Shopify App Store.

Shopify Metric	Latest Reported Figure
2025 GMV	$378 billion
Total sales on Shopify	~$1.6 trillion
Countries with Shopify businesses	175+
Shopify App Store apps	21,000+
Q2 2026 revenue	$3.58 billion
Q2 2026 GMV	$115.57 billion

Shopify’s Q2 2026 results provide a more recent view of the platform’s performance. For the quarter ending June 30, 2026, Shopify reported $3.58 billion in revenue and $115.57 billion in GMV, representing year-over-year growth of 34% and 32%, respectively.

Together, these figures show the size of Shopify’s merchant ecosystem, transaction volume, and business operations heading further into 2026.

Shopify Usage Statistics in 2026

Shopify’s reach extends across millions of businesses in more than 175 countries. Shopify itself reports millions of merchants using its platform, while third-party technology tracking provides another view of its website adoption.

According to BuiltWith’s latest tracking data, 6.72 million websites are currently using Shopify. Its database has identified more than 14 million websites that have used Shopify at some point, including both active and historical sites.

The United States accounts for about 3.85 million live Shopify websites, followed by the United Kingdom with more than 236,000 and Australia with more than 168,000. India has more than 130,000 live Shopify websites in BuiltWith’s current dataset.

These figures should be read as website technology usage data, rather than Shopify’s official merchant count. BuiltWith identifies websites based on detected technologies, while Shopify reports its merchant reach separately. This distinction matters when comparing Shopify usage statistics from different sources.

Shopify App Store Statistics

The Shopify App Store has grown into a large ecosystem of third-party tools that extend what merchants can do with their stores. Shopify currently lists more than 21,000 apps in its App Store, covering areas such as marketing, inventory, customer service, analytics, and store management.

The ecosystem also represents a significant developer economy. Shopify reported that it paid more than $1.3 billion to developers in 2025, while active app installs across the ecosystem increased by nearly 20% during the year.

These Shopify App Store statistics show how third-party apps have become an important part of operating a Shopify store. Merchants can use public apps for additional functionality, while businesses with specific requirements can also work with developers to build custom apps through Shopify’s APIs.

How Does Shopify Make Money?

Shopify generates revenue through two primary business segments: Subscription Solution and Merchant Solutions. The first is tied to recurring subscriptions and platform services, while the second generates revenue from services used by merchants as they run their businesses.
In Q2 2026, Shopify reported $3.58 billion in total revenue. Merchant Solutions contributed $2.78 billion, while Subscription Solutions generated $802 million.

Subscription Solutions

This revenue category includes recurring payments for Shopify’s commerce platform and related services. Depending on the plan, merchants get access to different features for managing their online store and sales operations.

Merchant Solutions

Merchant Solutions connects more directly with merchant activity. Key sources include:

Shopify Payments, which allows merchants to accept and process payments.
Shopify Capital, which provides eligible merchants with funding options.

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Other merchant services connected to selling and operating through Shopify.

Merchant Solutions accounted for approximately 78% of Shopify’s Q2 2026 revenue, based on figures reported by the company.

This revenue model connects Shopify’s earnings to both recurring platform subscriptions and the activity generated by merchants using its broader commerce services.

How Much Does a Shopify Store Cost?

The cost of a Shopify store depends on more than the monthly subscription. A business may also need to budget for a domain, theme, apps, payment processing, and development work.

Shopify offers several plans with different features and pricing. The final cost can therefore vary based on the store’s size, sales volume, design requirements, and the features you need.

For a new store, the main cost areas include:

Shopify subscriptions: The recurring fee for using the Shopify platform.
Domain: A custom domain adds a separate annual cost if you purchase it through Shopify or another domain provider.
Theme: Free themes can reduce the initial cost, while premium themes add to the budget.
Apps: Additional apps can introduce monthly or one-time charges for features such as marketing, reviews, subscriptions, or inventory management.
Development: Custom design, integrations, app development, and complex functionality can increase the initial project cost.
Payment processing: Transaction-related costs depend on the payment method and the Shopify plan you use.

For this reason, there is no single answer to how much a Shopify store costs. A basic store can require a relatively small initial investment, while a custom Shopify eCommerce project can involve considerably higher development and integration costs.

Businesses planning a store should calculate both recurring platform expenses and the one-time development costs before setting a budget.

Who Owns Shopify?

Shopify is a publicly traded company, so it is not owned by one private individual or a single parent company. Shopify Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol SHOP and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the same symbol.

Shopify was founded in 2026 by Tobias Lutke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake. Tobias Lutke remains Shopify’s cofounder and CEO.

Because Shopify is publicly traded, ownership is distributed among shareholders. Its public filings provide information about major shareholders, company leadership, and voting rights.

So, when people ask who owns Shopify, the short answer is that Shopify is owned by its shareholders as a publicly listed company, while Tobias Lutke continues to lead the company as CEO.

What Shopify Statistics Mean for eCommerce Businesses

The numbers give businesses more than a picture of Shopify’s size. They also show how much infrastructure has developed around the platform.
For businesses considering Shopify, a few points stand out:

A large merchant ecosystem: Shopify supports businesses across more than 175 countries, giving merchants access to a platform with broad international adoption.
A large app ecosystem: With more than 21,000 apps, businesses can add functions for marketing, sales, customer support, analytics, and store management.
High transaction volume: Shopify reported GMV reaches $378 billion in 2025, showing the scale of commerce already running through the platform.
Flexible development options: Businesses can start with standard Shopify features and add custom integrations, themes, or applications as their requirements become more specific.

These factors can make Shopify suitable for businesses that want to launch an online store while keeping room for additional functionality as their requirements grow.

If your business needs a Shopify store with custom features, integrations, or a tailored shopping experience, eCommerce development can help turn those requirements into a functional online store. The development approach can be planned around your products, customers, sales process, and long-term growth requirements.

Final Thoughts

The latest Shopify statistics show a platform operating at a significant scale, with billions in revenue, hundreds of billions in annual GMV, millions of businesses, and a large app ecosystem.

For businesses, these numbers provide useful context when evaluating Shopify as an eCommerce platform. The right choice still depends on factors such as store requirements, budget, integrations, customization needs, and long-term business plans.

Businesses with requirements that go beyond standard Shopify features can also consider Shopify app development to create custom functionality, integrations, or workflows tailored to their operations. This can be useful when existing apps do not fully meet a store's specific requirements.