Is Qt6 still worth learning in 2026?
Hi.
Most of my programming career has been focused on command line tools and other programs like system/netwroking modules and simulations.
I am only recently hoping to enter the desktop/gui application world and i was wondering if Qt6 would be the right way to go.
I know there isnt a single "right way" dont give me the lecture.
I have had looked into Qt years ago and even started learning it before i abandoned it.
I'm considering Qt6 because.
1- I am a little familiar with it from my attempt at learning it years ago
2- I know how to program in C++
3- Ive heard about it a lot and as a linux user many of the open source apps that Im currently using seem to be powered by it and Im fully aware that it is a great and well known platform.
However my aversion to Qt rises due to the following
1- most the the references i mentioned in item 3 of the pros section are pretty old, leading me to suspect that Qt has become old and irrelevant
2- Even though Im fluent in C++, Im no expert and I sort of secretly hate it and my life would be much happier if C++ played as little a role in it lmao.
3- I've heard that some parts of the framework arent free and i need to pay for a license or subscription which i much rather not do.
So I guess my question is.
Is Qt still relevant? Is it free? Are there new projects being released using Qt and would it look good on a resume in the big '26?
If it is indeed powerful and relevant, does anyone have any experience with wrpper frameworks in other languages like pyQt or Rust would you say they are stable and good enough?
If it is not relevant, what is the hot new, go to framework for GUI applications now?
I chose to ask this question on reddit instead of doing online searches because I value the wisdom and opinions of other actual real world programmer and dont wanna be fed AI slop or corporate sponsored content. So please if you ARE INDEED an experienced GUI application developer and have any opinions, discussions, warnings, pointers, rants etc. I invite you to give me some of your time and comment them down below.
Thank you very much.