Development/Tutorials/Programming Tutorial KDE 4
Overview
Basics
KDE heavily depends on Qt. Many KDE classes inherit from Qt classes. KDE 4 is based on Qt 4, KDE 3 is based on Qt 3. When this tutorial introduces a new Qt class, you're also learning KDE programming.
Your lessons
Hello World
If you read the above, you will be taken into a world where every line of code is friendly and good to beginners.
Using KMainWindow
This tutorial shows you the magic of an application's most important thing: The main window.
Using KActions and XmlGui
Maybe you want to guide your users through your own menues, then this is right for you.
Using KConfig XT to store and retrieve settings
You always wanted to store configuration options ? Then eat this!
How to write an XML parser
Yes, even XML parsers are explained here.
How to start your CMAKE project
Need a quick template for your KDE 4 projects ? Here's a cmake project environment.
Using QTableWidget
A QTableWidget is an easy way to present an editable table to the user.
Using QTreeWidget
A QTreeWidget is like a QTableWidget with hierarchical display.
How to work with Exceptions
Exceptions are means of saying "something went wrong, but that is not fatal".
Getting Help
Finding documentation
Whenever you have a KDE class and want the API documentation for it (KApplication, for example), point a konqueror window to
kde:KApplication
Be aware that the kde: konqueror shortcut only works for classes in kdelibs. If you ask for a class outside of kdelibs or a class that the API search software doesn't know about, you'll be redirected to the main API documentation page. You will need to navigate from there to find the class you're looking for.
If you need to look up the Qt API documentation for a class, you can point a Konqueror window to
qt:QApplication
This can be done in addition to browsing the Qt documentation locally, or using Qt Assistant.
Finding other developers
Mailing lists
There are two main development mailing lists:
- The kde-devel mailing list for general development issues
- The kde-core-devel mailing list for development issues specific to kdelibs, kdebase, and other central development issues
Many other mailing lists for certain applications also existing. Before posting a question, it's always best to make sure you direct it to the right list. Emailing your question to the right list can help you get an answer faster. You can get an overview of the various available mailing lists at http://www.kde.org/mailinglists
IRC
If you're looking for something a bit more in the instant gratification department, then feel free to ask your question on IRC. KDE uses the Freenode network and the easiest way to get on IRC is to point your favorite IRC client to irc.kde.org. There are several IRC clients available for KDE such as konversation and ksirc. There are two main channels for KDE development:
- The #kde-devel channel for general KDE development questions
- The #kde4-devel channel for questions specific to KDE 4 development
Additionally, there are channels for discussing the sub-frameworks of KDE 4:
- The #plasma channel for development on Plasma. The new KDE 4 desktop framework.
- The #solid channel for development on Solid. The hardware detection/management framework for KDE 4.
- The #phonon channel for development on Phonon. The new KDE 4 multimedia framework.
As with mailing lists, many applications have their own IRC channel. However, there currently is not a list of common IRC channels available. If you need to ask a question about a specific application, check that application's home page to see if there's an IRC channel available specifically for that application. If a channel is not listed, it's best to ask your question on one of the above two general development discussion channels.
In order to get the most out of your IRC experience, it's best to follow these guidelines when asking questions:
- If you have a question, just ask it. There's no need to ask if you can ask a question.
- Be prepared to wait for an answer. Even though IRC is more real-time mode of communication, there may not be anyone available to answer your question immediately after you ask it. In general, if you don't receive a response on IRC in about an hour, it's best to send an email.
- Don't ask the question more than once. Even though the channel is active, the right person may not be available to provide an answer. If you are told to wait for a certain person to come online, be sure to ask again when you see them come online. Again, if you don't receive a response to your question in about an hour, it's best to send an email.