dwm

Website

dwm.suckless.org

$ Details

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Categories

#Linux #Window Manager #Utilities #Open Source

herbstluftwm

Website

herbstluftwm.org

$ Details

Categories

#Window Manager #Linux #Utilities #Open Source

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.

herbstluftwm features and specs

• Tiling Window Management
  Herbstluftwm is a dynamic tiling window manager, allowing users to efficiently organize open windows without overlapping, thereby optimizing screen real estate.
• Scriptability
  The window manager is highly scriptable, providing users the ability to extend and customize its functionality using shell scripts.
• Lightweight
  Herbstluftwm is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, making it an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
• Simple Configuration
  Configuration is straightforward and done through a simple text file, allowing users to easily adjust settings to meet their preferences.
• EWMH and ICCCM Compliance
  It adheres to EWMH and ICCCM standards, ensuring better compatibility with various desktop environments and applications.
• Community Support
  Herbstluftwm has an active community that provides support, documentation, and shared configurations, aiding new users and fostering improvements.

Possible disadvantages of herbstluftwm

• Steeper Learning Curve
  Users coming from traditional desktop environments might find the tiling system and keyboard-driven interface challenging to learn initially.
• Limited Graphical Configuration Tools
  Unlike some other window managers, herbstluftwm lacks extensive graphical tools for configuration, requiring users to edit configuration files manually.
• Dependencies
  While lightweight, certain features or functionalities might require additional dependencies such as scripting or external programs.
• Not as Feature-Rich as Some Alternatives
  Herbstluftwm focuses on simplicity and efficiency, which might not offer as many features or eye-candy as some other window managers.
• Potential Compatibility Issues
  Despite EWMH and ICCCM compliance, some applications, especially older or proprietary ones, might not behave as expected.

Analysis of dwm

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

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Window Manager Hopping: Herbstluftwm

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