DirectFB

Website

web.archive.org

Categories

#OS & Utilities #Window Manager #Linux #Automation

Wayland

Website

wayland.freedesktop.org

Categories

#Window Manager #Linux #OS & Utilities #Utilities

DirectFB features and specs

• Performance
  DirectFB provides high-performance graphics operations on embedded systems by directly interfacing with the framebuffer, which can result in faster rendering compared to other graphics systems that use more layers of abstraction.
• Resource Efficiency
  It is optimized for low resource usage, which makes it suitable for use on devices with limited processing power and memory, such as set-top boxes and other embedded systems.
• Simplicity
  DirectFB offers a relatively straightforward API for 2D graphics operations, which can simplify the development process for applications that do not require the full complexity of OpenGL or similar libraries.
• Support for Multiple Backends
  DirectFB supports various input and output backends, allowing for flexible integration with different types of hardware such as different graphics cards and input devices.

Possible disadvantages of DirectFB

• Limited 3D Support
  While DirectFB is excellent for 2D operations, it lacks comprehensive support for 3D graphics compared to more modern graphics APIs like OpenGL or Vulkan, which might limit its use for applications requiring 3D rendering.
• Obsolescence
  DirectFB has not seen significant updates or widespread adoption in recent years, which makes it less desirable for new projects compared to other graphics stacks that are actively developed and supported.
• Platform Specificity
  It is designed primarily for Linux-based systems, which limits its portability to other operating systems, unlike more platform-agnostic graphics libraries.
• Development Community
  The community and support around DirectFB are relatively small, which can make it more challenging to find help or resources when encountering issues during development.

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.

Odroid c1 directfb porting : booting time 14sec

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

More videos: