Speaker
Description
Abstract:
Building apps for the Linux desktop doesn’t have to be intimidating. This beginner-friendly session introduces how to create modern GNOME applications step by step using Python and GTK4. We’ll start from the basics-setting up a simple application window-then gradually add buttons, menus, vertical and horizontal boxes, and more. By combining these elements, you’ll see how to turn small components into a functional Linux desktop application.
Along the way, we’ll explore how to run your app directly, through wrapper scripts, or with Meson for building and packaging. To wrap up, we’ll take a quick look at contributing back to the GNOME ecosystem, including GitLab workflows, creating or extending APIs, and submitting pull requests.
By the end of this session, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to begin building your own Linux GNOME apps and even share improvements with the wider open source community.
| Category | Application Development and Deployment |
|---|---|
| Talk Description | This session is designed for beginners who want to get started with Linux desktop app development using Python and GTK4. I will walk through the full journey of building a modern GNOME application, starting with a simple “Hello GNOME” window and gradually adding core UI elements like buttons, menus, and layout containers (vertical and horizontal boxes). By the end of the live demo, participants will see how small building blocks come together to form a fully functional Linux desktop application. In addition to UI development, the talk will introduce practical aspects of running and packaging applications. We will explore how to run apps directly, through wrapper scripts, and with the Meson build system - highlighting how Meson simplifies testing and packaging for wider distribution. Finally, the session will conclude with an introduction to contributing back to GNOME. I will cover the GitLab workflow, exploring APIs, and submitting merge requests—showing how new contributors can get started in the GNOME community. This 30-minute talk is beginner-friendly, and designed to give attendees both the confidence and the technical know-how to start building their own GNOME applications on Linux, while also encouraging them to contribute back to open source. |
| Author(s) Bio | Sudip Shil is an Associate Software Engineer at Red Hat, working on open source projects in the GNOME and Linux ecosystem. His interests span application development with Python, GTK/GTK4, and desktop tooling, along with packaging and CI/CD. He has contributed to GNOME projects such as GTK and Pango, and enjoys building utility apps and tools for the Linux desktop. Outside of his professional role, Sudip is passionate about mentoring beginners, lowering the barrier to entry for GNOME development, and encouraging new contributors to participate in open source. |
| Pronouns | he/him |
| Twitter and/or Mastodon Handle | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudipshil/ |
| Where are you located? | Bangalore, India |
| Do you need travel sponsorship from GNOME Foundation in order to join our event? | Yes |
