bspwm

Website

github.com

Categories

#Utilities #Window Manager #Linux #Open Source

Wayland

Website

wayland.freedesktop.org

Categories

#Window Manager #Linux #OS & Utilities #Utilities

bspwm features and specs

• Highly Configurable
  Bspwm is known for its high level of customizability, allowing users to tweak almost every aspect of their window management experience through simple scripts and configuration files.
• Efficient Use of Screen Space
  As a tiling window manager, Bspwm automatically arranges windows in a way that maximizes screen real estate, minimizing overlap and unused space.
• Lightweight
  Bspwm is extremely lightweight, making it suitable for older hardware and systems with limited resources. It does not come with additional software bloat.
• Scriptable with Unix Philosophy
  Bspwm adheres to the Unix philosophy of 'doing one thing well'. It functions without managing keybindings, allowing users to use other programs (like sxhkd) for keybinding management, which offers greater flexibility.
• Active Community Support
  Bspwm has an active community and comprehensive documentation, which helps new users get started and troubleshoot any issues they might encounter.

Possible disadvantages of bspwm

• Steep Learning Curve
  The configuration process can be complex and overwhelming for beginners. Unlike more mainstream window managers, bspwm requires learning various scripts and commands.
• Lack of GUI Configuration Tools
  Bspwm does not come with graphical configuration tools, which might be inconvenient for users who prefer a GUI for managing settings.
• Sparse on Built-in Features
  Since bspwm follows the Unix philosophy closely, it lacks many built-in features and utilities that other window managers might offer. Users need to set up additional tools for tasks such as wallpaper management or system trays.
• Compatibility Issues
  Some applications that expect a floating window manager might not work well with bspwm, requiring extra configuration or using alternative software.
• Limited Out-of-the-box Experience
  Bspwm does not come with a pre-configured environment, which can be a disadvantage for users looking for a ready-to-use experience out of the box.

Wayland features and specs

• Improved Performance
  Wayland provides a more efficient and direct communication between applications and the display server, reducing latency and improving performance by minimizing protocol overhead.
• Reduced Complexity
  Wayland simplifies the graphical stack by eliminating the need for an X server, reducing the overall complexity and potential for bugs or errors that can arise from more complex architectures.
• Security Enhancements
  Wayland offers better isolation and security by design, as applications only have access to their own buffers and cannot snoop on input events from other applications.
• Modern Features
  Wayland supports contemporary features such as high-DPI displays and fractional scaling, providing a better experience on modern devices and screens.
• Consistency
  Wayland ensures more consistent rendering across different applications, as it standardizes the rendering pipeline and reduces inconsistencies caused by different toolkits trying to work with X11.

Possible disadvantages of Wayland

• Compatibility Issues
  Wayland is not backward compatible with X11, so older applications that rely on X11-specific features may not work correctly without modification or through compatibility layers like XWayland.
• Limited Customization
  Some users may find Wayland's reduced ability to configure and customize the windowing system compared to X11 to be a disadvantage, as X11 provides extensive customization options.
• Driver Support
  Wayland's functionality can be limited by the availability and maturity of graphics drivers, as driver support is crucial for optimal performance and features.
• Adoption and Maturity
  While many applications and environments are moving towards Wayland, it is still relatively newer and may lack the maturity and extensive ecosystem of X11, affecting its adoption in some distributions.
• Feature Parity
  As Wayland continues to develop, some advanced features available in X11 might not be fully implemented yet, possibly affecting power users who rely on them for their workflows.

Switching To Bspwm - Initial Thoughts

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WAYLAND: what is it, and is it ready for daily use?

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