NML and GUI from Scratch?

If I understand correctly, NML is the interface through which user interface code talks to the LinuxCNC controller. The NML interface is C++, with Python bindings. I think that means it should be possible to develop a GUI in just about any language or framework that runs on Linux, is that correct? I would like to play with developing a UI from scratch using Dear ImGui .

Am I correct, that the UI runs as a separate process invoked by LinuxCNC when it starts up, based on what's specified in the DISPLAY config parameter? I currently use Axis, but am not in front of my controller to see what exists where. My config is just DISPLAY=axis, but I'm not sure if that's a binary, or ends up pointing to the axis.py file somewhere, or how LinuxCNC finds it.

All the docs I've read so far just point me toward the existing GUIs and VCPs. Is there anything that describes how I might write a GUI from scratch? Assuming it is indeed a separate process, the I'd guess I'd write code with a C main() entry point, and link against libnml. But is it invoked with any command line options? Is there more?

That's great, thank you!

@JetForMe

Just have a look at:
github.com/grotius-cnc/linuxcnc/tree/main/cmake/projects
I think the most comprehensive nml reference/use case you can find;

best regards

You could certainly combine "Dear imgui" with lcnc.
Best is to use the imgui verions wich uses the : #include <GLFW/glfw3.h>
Then graphics are quite easy to implement : example of opengl & opencascade graphics using glfw3.

If you add the "dear imgui source code" to a subdir in :
github.com/grotius-cnc/linuxcnc/tree/main/cmake/projects /imgui

You can edit everything by loading the cmakelist in a modern editor.

Good luck.