Fact Check: Is wxWidgets still used?

Is wxWidgets Still Used?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether wxWidgets, a cross-platform GUI toolkit, is still actively used in software development as of 2025. This inquiry arises from the evolving landscape of software development tools and the emergence of newer frameworks that may overshadow older ones.

What We Know

wxWidgets, originally known as wxWindows, is a library designed for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that can run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The toolkit allows developers to write applications in C++ while maintaining a native look and feel across different platforms [1].

As of 2025, the latest stable release of wxWidgets is version 3.3.0, which was announced on June 6, 2025 [3]. Prior to that, version 3.2.8 was released on April 24, 2025 [6]. The wxWidgets development community is described as a voluntary effort, suggesting that contributions from users can influence the pace of development [2].

Additionally, discussions in forums indicate that there is ongoing interest in wxWidgets, with users questioning its relevance and future in the face of newer technologies [8]. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the current usage statistics of wxWidgets compared to other GUI frameworks.

Analysis

Source Reliability

Wikipedia: The wxWidgets Wikipedia page provides a general overview of the toolkit, including its history and functionality. While Wikipedia is a good starting point, it can be edited by anyone, which raises questions about the reliability of specific claims unless corroborated by primary sources [1].
Official wxWidgets Website: The official wxWidgets website and its roadmap provide direct information from the developers about the current state of the project, including recent releases and future plans. This source is generally reliable as it comes directly from the maintainers of the toolkit [2][3][6]. However, it may present a biased view, as it is intended to promote the toolkit.
Discussion Forum: The wxWidgets Discussion Forum offers insights from users and developers regarding the relevance of wxWidgets. While user opinions can provide valuable context, they are subjective and may not represent the broader developer community's views [8].
Google Scholar: A search for scholarly articles on wxWidgets usage could yield more objective data on its adoption and trends. However, the snippet provided does not include specific studies or findings, which limits its usefulness for this analysis [5].

Conflicting Evidence

While the official sources indicate that wxWidgets is still being actively developed and released, the discussions in forums suggest a level of uncertainty about its relevance in modern development environments. This discrepancy highlights the need for more empirical data regarding its usage in the industry.

Methodological Concerns

The claim about wxWidgets' current usage lacks quantitative data, such as market share or developer surveys, which would provide a clearer picture of its standing compared to other frameworks. Additionally, anecdotal evidence from forums may not be representative of the entire developer community.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To better understand the current status of wxWidgets, the following information would be beneficial:

Comprehensive surveys or studies on the usage of wxWidgets compared to other GUI frameworks.
Data on the number of active projects using wxWidgets, including industry sectors.
Insights from software development conferences or workshops discussing the relevance of wxWidgets.
Analysis of trends in software development that may impact the adoption of older frameworks like wxWidgets.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates that wxWidgets is still actively used in software development as of 2025. The latest stable release, version 3.3.0, and ongoing community discussions suggest that there remains a dedicated user base and continued development efforts. However, it is essential to note that while official sources affirm its active status, anecdotal evidence from forums raises questions about its relevance compared to newer frameworks.

The lack of comprehensive quantitative data on its usage limits the ability to fully assess its standing in the industry. Therefore, while the claim is supported by available evidence, the context of its relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape should be considered.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out additional data to form a well-rounded understanding of wxWidgets' current position in software development.