Qt Threading Dilemma: Should I Use Qt Threads or Python Threads?

Threading in PyQt: Qt Threads vs. Python Threads

In PyQt applications, handling time-consuming tasks like web data retrieval can lead to UI unresponsiveness. Outsourcing these tasks to a separate thread is essential for maintaining UI responsiveness. However, the question arises: should one use Qt's threads or Python's threading module?

Qt Threads vs. Python Threads

Qt threads and Python threads offer similar functionality, as both are wrappers around the native thread implementations and utilize the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL). However, key differences exist:

Advantages of Qt Threads:

• Better Qt Integration: Qt threads are tightly integrated with Qt, allowing seamless communication between threads and event loop.
• Asynchronous Signals/Slots: Qt threads support asynchronous signals/slots, enabling efficient communication between threads.

Disadvantages of Qt Threads:

• Cannot Use Qt from Python Threads: Qt functionality cannot be accessed from Python threads, requiring the use of Qt threads for tasks involving Qt operations.

Advantages of Python Threads:

• Easy to Use: Python threads are intuitive and straightforward to implement.

Disadvantages of Python Threads:

• Limited Qt Integration: Python threads lack the seamless integration with Qt, complicating communication with the UI and event loop.

Recommendation

Based on the advantages and disadvantages, Qt threads are generally recommended for PyQt applications, offering superior integration with Qt and asynchronous communication capabilities. However, non-blocking network requests, as suggested by Jeff Ober and Lukáš Lalinský, can effectively eliminate the need for a separate thread and address UI unresponsiveness issues.

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