Adding Labels, Buttons, and Entry Fields in Python GUI - tkinter

When it comes to creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in Python, the tkinter library is widely used and provides an easy-to-use interface to build interactive applications. In this article, we will explore how to add labels, buttons, and entry fields to our tkinter application.

Getting Started with tkinter

Before we dive into adding labels, buttons, and entry fields, let's quickly go through the basics of getting started with tkinter.

First, we need to import the tkinter module:

import tkinter as tk

Next, we need to create a window or a root widget, which is the main window of our application:

window = tk.Tk()

Now that we have our window, we can add various widgets to it, such as labels, buttons, and entry fields.

Adding Labels

Labels are used to display text or images. To add a label to our tkinter window, we can use the Label class:

label = tk.Label(window, text="Hello, tkinter!")
label.pack()

In the above code, we create a label with the text "Hello, tkinter!" and add it to our window using the pack() method, which automatically arranges the widgets in a vertical stack.

Adding Buttons

Buttons are used to trigger actions when clicked. To add a button to our tkinter window, we can use the Button class:

def button_click():
    label.config(text="Button clicked!")

button = tk.Button(window, text="Click me", command=button_click)
button.pack()

In the above code, we define a button_click function that will be called when the button is clicked. The Button class creates a button with the text "Click me" and associates it with the button_click function using the command parameter. Finally, we add the button to our window using the pack() method.

Adding Entry Fields

Entry fields are used to get input from the user. To add an entry field to our tkinter window, we can use the Entry class:

def submit():
    text = entry.get()
    label.config(text=f"Entered: {text}")

entry = tk.Entry(window)
entry.pack()

submit_button = tk.Button(window, text="Submit", command=submit)
submit_button.pack()

In the above code, we define a submit function that retrieves the text entered in the entry field when the submit button is clicked. We create an entry field using the Entry class and add it to our window. Then, we create a submit button that calls the submit function when clicked.

Running the Application

To run our tkinter application, we need to start the event loop by calling the mainloop() method on our window:

window.mainloop()

This method listens for events, such as button clicks or key presses, and updates the GUI accordingly.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to add labels, buttons, and entry fields to our Python GUI using the tkinter library. Building interactive applications with tkinter becomes easier when we understand how to utilize these essential widgets. Now you can start creating your own GUI applications with labels, buttons, and entry fields! Happy coding!