Wx

wx is a cross-platform GUI toolkit primarily for C++ that enables developers to create native desktop applications that run on Windows, macOS, and Linux without platform-specific code. The project originated as wxWindows and was later renamed wxWidgets to emphasize its cross-language bindings and platform-native approach.

Core features include an object-oriented API with classes for windows, controls, and events, a layout system based on sizers, and support for drawing, printing, imaging, and basic networking. The toolkit aims to map closely to native platform widgets, providing a consistent look and feel across supported systems while exposing a flexible and extensible API.

wx also offers bindings for several other languages, expanding its reach beyond C++. Notable bindings include wxPython for Python, wxRuby for Ruby, wxPerl for Perl, and wxLua for Lua, among others. This multi-language ecosystem allows developers to leverage the same underlying toolkit from different programming environments.

Licensing and governance: wxWidgets is distributed under the wxWindows license, a permissive open-source license that permits use in proprietary software. The project is maintained by the wxWidgets Foundation together with a global community of volunteers and contributors, with regular releases and ongoing development.

Usage and impact: wxWidgets has been employed in a variety of cross-platform applications and projects. A well-known example is Code::Blocks, an open-source integrated development environment that uses wxWidgets for its user interface. The toolkit remains actively developed and widely used in desktop application development.