Drawing and automating a clock with Cairo and GTK
Window of Opportunity
© Lead Image © Galina Peshkova, 123RF.com
Add graphics that automatically update. We show you how to build an analog clock widget with the Cairo and GTK libraries.
Last month, I covered drawing an analog clock face using the Cairo graphics library [1],[2]. While the programs in that article drew to image files, this article demonstrates how to program an analog clock drawn in a graphical user interface (GUI) window. I will also show how to make the clock automatically update, redrawing every second to simulate a ticking clock.
Because I have already covered the process of drawing a clock, this article focuses on the GUI aspect of the program. For this project, I will use the GTK [3] GUI library, because it interfaces well with Cairo and the Python language, both of which I used in the previous clock program. GTK is used from a Python program via the GObjectIntrospection [4] library; you need to ensure that you have Cairo, GTK, and GObjectIntrospection installed before you start programming this project. You will also need the interface between Cairo and GObjectIntrospection in order to use Cairo with GTK. On Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivative Linux distributions, the following command will ensure everything you need is installed:
sudo apt install python3-cairo python3-gi python3-gi-cairo gir1.2-gtk-3.0
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Is AI Coming to Your Ubuntu Desktop?
According to the VP of Engineering at Canonical, AI could soon be added to the Ubuntu desktop distribution.
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.