Mixing Qt and Boost

Question

I'm looking at starting a project in C++ using the Qt 4 framework (a cross-platform GUI is required). I've heard great things about the Boost libraries from friends and online. I've started reading up on both and wanted to ask a cursory question before I got too deep: Are these two development "systems" mutually exclusive?

My initial searching and reading shows some overlap in the signal handling, custom build systems, and other low-level primitives.

Does it make sense to use them both in the same project?

Answer 1

Yes it makes perfect sense. I would generally prefer using the boost/stdlib functions where possible rather than their Qt alternatives.

It makes the code easier to port to the next framework.
It makes is easier for new non-Qt programmers to get upto speed.
Boost has some great functionality and is getting more all the time.

note: strings to/from widgets are probably the main exception - inside the GUI I would use Qt strings to save confusing casts everywhere.

Answer 2

This paper compares signal slots mechanism in QT and Boost::Signal very decently. It is a must read for those who are a bit curious of this mix.