When working with tkinter in Python, it is common to encounter situations where you need to block the main window and keep the close button functional. In this article, we will explore three different ways to achieve this functionality.

Option 1: Using the `grab_set()` method

The `grab_set()` method is a built-in method in tkinter that allows you to grab the input focus for a particular window. By calling this method on the main window, we can effectively block it while still keeping the close button functional.

import tkinter as tk

def block_window():
    root.grab_set()

root = tk.Tk()
button = tk.Button(root, text="Block Window", command=block_window)
button.pack()

root.mainloop()

In this code, we create a button that calls the `block_window()` function when clicked. Inside the function, we call the `grab_set()` method on the `root` window, which blocks it from receiving any input until released.

Option 2: Using the `wait_window()` method

The `wait_window()` method is another useful method in tkinter that allows you to wait for a window to be destroyed before continuing with the execution of the program. By creating a new window and calling `wait_window()` on it, we can effectively block the main window while still keeping the close button functional.

import tkinter as tk

def block_window():
    block = tk.Toplevel(root)
    block.wait_window(block)

root = tk.Tk()
button = tk.Button(root, text="Block Window", command=block_window)
button.pack()

root.mainloop()

In this code, we create a new window called `block` using the `Toplevel()` method. We then call `wait_window()` on this window, which blocks the main window until the `block` window is destroyed.

Option 3: Using a modal dialog

A modal dialog is a special type of window that requires the user to interact with it before returning to the main window. By creating a modal dialog and keeping it open, we can effectively block the main window while still keeping the close button functional.

import tkinter as tk
from tkinter import messagebox

def block_window():
    messagebox.showinfo("Block Window", "This is a modal dialog")

root = tk.Tk()
button = tk.Button(root, text="Block Window", command=block_window)
button.pack()

root.mainloop()

In this code, we use the `showinfo()` method from the `messagebox` module to create a modal dialog. The dialog will display the message “This is a modal dialog” and block the main window until it is closed.

After exploring these three options, it is clear that the best option depends on the specific requirements of your application. If you simply need to block the main window temporarily, Option 1 using the `grab_set()` method is a good choice. If you need to block the main window until a specific condition is met, Option 2 using the `wait_window()` method is more suitable. Finally, if you need to display a message or prompt the user for input while blocking the main window, Option 3 using a modal dialog is the way to go.

Choose the option that best fits your needs and implement it in your tkinter application to achieve the desired functionality.