dwm

Website

dwm.suckless.org

$ Details

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Categories

#Linux #Window Manager #Utilities #Open Source

Arcan

Website

arcan-fe.com

$ Details

Categories

#Linux #Desktop Environments #Operating Systems #Window Manager

dwm features and specs

• Lightweight
  dwm is extremely lightweight, resulting in minimal use of system resources. It is designed to have no unnecessary bloat, making it suitable for older hardware or low-spec systems.
• Customizable
  dwm is highly customizable, with the configuration being done through editing the C source code. This allows for deep customization to meet specific user preferences.
• Simplicity
  The software is designed with simplicity in mind. It has a straightforward design and a gentle learning curve for users familiar with tiling window managers.
• Tiling Window Management
  dwm automatically arranges windows in a tiling format, which can help improve productivity by making better use of screen real estate and reducing the need to manually arrange windows.
• Community Support
  A robust community following and good documentation provide ample support for troubleshooting and extending dwm. Many patches and tips are shared among users.

Possible disadvantages of dwm

• Steep Initial Learning Curve
  For users not familiar with tiling window managers or who are used to traditional desktop environments, the initial setup and usage might be challenging.
• Manual Compilation for Configuration
  Configuration changes require editing the source code and recompiling the window manager. This can be inconvenient for users who prefer a dynamic configuration option.
• Limited Out-of-the-Box Functionality
  dwm does not come with many features available in other window managers by default. Users might need to apply patches or write custom scripts to get additional functionality.
• Fewer Graphical Tools
  Since dwm focuses on simplicity and minimalism, it lacks graphical configuration tools, which might deter non-technical users or those who prefer GUI-based management.
• Compatibility
  Some applications may not play well with dwm's tiling mechanism, requiring additional configuration or even the use of floating mode for specific apps.

Arcan features and specs

• Open Source
  Arcan is open-source, allowing developers to access, modify, and improve the source code according to their needs. This fosters a community-driven environment and enhances transparency.
• Versatility
  Arcan is designed to handle a wide array of graphical and multimedia tasks, making it suitable for various applications beyond just a display server.
• Security Focus
  The platform emphasizes security by design, providing mechanisms to isolate and protect components and users, which is crucial in multi-user or multi-tenant systems.
• Performance
  Arcan is optimized for performance, aiming to deliver efficient rendering and resource utilization, which is beneficial for both desktop environments and embedded systems.

Possible disadvantages of Arcan

• Complexity
  Due to its extensive feature set and adaptable nature, Arcan's framework may have a steep learning curve for new users or developers unfamiliar with its architecture.
• Limited Adoption
  Compared to more established systems like X11 or Wayland, Arcan has a smaller user base, which can limit community support, third-party integrations, and documentation.
• Compatibility Challenges
  As Arcan offers a unique approach to handling graphical tasks, it might face compatibility issues with software or systems not specifically designed to work with its environment.

Analysis of dwm

dwm (suckless) - why I prefer it to i3 [ricing FreeBSD & OpenBSD]

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