Posted by LordOfBikes on Jul 21, 2022; 2:40pm
URL: https://forum.librecad.org/Plugin-for-surveying-functions-COGO-GIS-tp5721878p5721913.html

Joseph,

Qt documentation says, that QJson... stuff was introduced with Qt 5.0.
Our minimum required Qt version is 5.2, so it is safe to use this.
I'm also fine with JSON, it has become standard in many branches for data exchange and API communication.

I think LibreCAD 3 uses LUA 5.1 currently.

Qt is mainly the GUI and the glue keeping things together. It's responsible for all visible in LibreCAD, handling in- and output and provides functionality for communication between frontend and backend.
As it is built with C++ too, it integrates smoothly with LibreCAD functionality.
Even when it looks heavy, it makes things a lot easier with rising experience.
But for plugin development, you don't need much Qt framework or GUI knowledge, most is pure C++ and LibreCAD specific classes.
Even when there are other JSON libraries, it is recommended to use QJson... stuff, because it will not add new dependencies.

Concerning the power of LUA over C++, or using Windows/Linux, don't worry, it must be convenient and work for you. The truth is in the eye of the beholder I think.
I started with SUSE Linux about 2 decades ago and kicked Windows for private use about a decade ago and haven't missed anything yet, except some specific Windows troubles maybe

Armin