Build and run on desktop

QtWS Conference App Example

Before we see HowTo create a new project and run a QtQuickControls App on Android and iOS, we’ll use an existing app. I’m using my QtWS Conference App. If you’re updating from an older Qt version, use your own app – if you’re new to me or want to follow, what I’m doing, clone my GitHub project from here.

StatusBar from JP Nurmi

You also need the StatusBar from JP Nurmi. You can clone the GitHub project from here. I’m using StatusBar to colorize the Titlebar on Android.

QtWS App on Desktop

Now let’s see how QtWS App runs on Desktop – in my case macOS. I don’t deploy macOS Apps to customers or stores, but I’m using this to test things out without the need to deploy to Android or iOS devices.

Open Qt Creator Project

Starting QtCreator from Welcome Page you can ‘Open Project…’

I’m using qmake for 5.15, so please select the .pro.

Hint: After porting to Qt 6.5, I’ll make all apps compile without errors. Then as 2nd step will switch to cmake.

It’s the first time we start the QtWS App with this QtCreator, so there are no existing settings. Confirm ‘OK’

Now you’ll see a list of all your Kits / Platforms:

Android
Desktop
iOS
iOS Simulator

Configure Project

Normaly you would hit ‘Configure Project’ and are done.

It’s the first time we want to configure the project, so it’s a good idea to take a look at the details. Check if the path to the Build Directory was correct configured from your Preferences.

Disable Deprecation Warnings

You’ll see probably a bunch of Warnings. We’ll take a look at it later – for now you can disable them – simply add this to your .pro

DEFINES += QT_NO_DEPRECATED_WARNINGS

Run on Desktop

Now we can select the Desktop Kit and hit the ‘Run’ Button

The App was started and you can do some tests.

Project Structure

Befor going on to Android and iOS let’s study the project- and file structure to know where to find files and folders.

OpenSSL and StatusBar are included from .pro.

Other files – android contains the Android Templates copied into the project.

Other files – ios contains files needed to run on iOS: Images.xcassets and iTunesArtwork and of course the info.plist.

Other files – translations containes the translations (*.ts) and compiled-translations (*.qm) for the languages you defined in .pro

File Structure

The Project Structure is different from the File Structure. Let’s see how all the things can be found on disc. The locations depend from your QtCreator preferences.

android openssl is inside the SDK folder, also the NDKs. Sometimes you’ll need to run the ‘adb’ tool – it’s inside the platform-tools.