Question

I have a couple of questions.

I have an algorithm that will generate a couple of pictures in python that must be displayed on a form. I am using PyGt for this. My question is: where should I run my code? Right from the initializer? In that case from what I tested, the form won’t show up.

• Should I set up a timer in the
  constructor that starts my algorithm
  half a second later?
• Will running the algorithm freeze my
  form making it impossible to see the
  picture itself? I don’t mind that the
  buttons, checkboxes, etc freeze while
  it is computing, as long as the
  current picture is still visible.
• Should I use something like c#’s
  OnFormLoad()? If yes, how can I set
  it? Through connect()?
• How does threading work on python?
  I’ve heard, but I’m not too sure
  about it, that it was a pain to deal
  with. Is it? In c# it is as easy as
  writing 4 lines. I’d like to use it
  if possible, but if it is going to be
  hard to implement it I can live
  without it.

Thanks

Answer 1

You might want to check the Mandelbrot example.

Basically the idea is to use a worker thread to do the heavy computations (I’d suggest a QThread to ease the communication to the main thread by using signals/slots), then once the work is done emit a signal with the computed data and have the main thread paint it. You can also render the image in the worker thread if you like.