Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Y Window System VS XQuartz

Compare Y Window System VS XQuartz and see what are their differences

Y Window System logo Y Window System

Y Window System is a platform that allows you to improve the speed, working, and efficiency of the application in your operating system and helps you to increase the responsiveness of applications similar to any locally based app.

XQuartz logo XQuartz

The XQuartz project is an open-source effort to develop a version of the X.
  • Y Window System Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-22
  • XQuartz Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-10

Y Window System features and specs

  • Modern Design
    Y Window System was designed with a focus on modern graphical capabilities, providing enhanced performance and flexibility compared to older systems.
  • Modularity
    Y Window System is designed to be modular, allowing components to be easily updated or replaced without affecting the entire system.
  • Efficient Graphics Management
    The system aims to offer more efficient graphics management that could lead to better performance and resource utilization.

Possible disadvantages of Y Window System

  • Immature Ecosystem
    As a relatively new system, Y Window System lacks the extensive support and community that older systems like X Window System enjoy.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There may be compatibility issues with applications and drivers that were designed specifically for more established window systems.
  • Limited Adoption
    Due to its newness and ongoing development, Y Window System has not been widely adopted, which could lead to limited support and fewer available applications.

XQuartz features and specs

  • Open Source
    XQuartz is an open-source project, which means it is free to use and the source code is available for anyone to inspect, modify, and improve.
  • Compatibility
    XQuartz enables users to run X11-based applications on macOS, making it possible to use software that depends on the X Window System.
  • Community Support
    Being open source, XQuartz benefits from a community of developers and users who can provide help, share solutions, and contribute to ongoing maintenance.
  • Regular Updates
    XQuartz typically receives updates to address bugs and compatibility issues, ensuring that it works well with the latest versions of macOS.
  • Integration
    It provides a bridge between native macOS applications and X11 applications, offering a degree of integration between different software environments.

Possible disadvantages of XQuartz

  • Performance Issues
    Running X11 applications through XQuartz can sometimes be slower compared to running native applications, which may affect usability, especially for graphics-heavy tasks.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up XQuartz and configuring it to work with specific applications can be complex and intimidating for users unfamiliar with such systems.
  • Limited Feature Set
    Compared to native macOS applications, XQuartz does not always offer the same level of integration with macOS features like display scaling and system-wide keyboard shortcuts.
  • Compatibility Issues
    While XQuartz aims to provide compatibility, there can be occasional issues with specific applications or versions, requiring troubleshooting and adjustments.
  • Maintenance Dependence
    The ongoing functionality of XQuartz depends on community contributions and updates, which may vary in their frequency and quality over time.

Y Window System videos

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XQuartz videos

What is xquartz X11 | How To Install xquartz On Mac OS (Big Sur, Mojave, Catalina) | Xquartz Shell

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How To Install Run XQuartz X11 Applications On Mac OS X 10 10 Yosemite Or Later

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Y Window System and XQuartz)
OS & Utilities
50 50%
50% 50
Window Manager
59 59%
41% 41
Linux
53 53%
47% 47
Automation
35 35%
65% 65

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Y Window System and XQuartz, you can also consider the following products

Mir - The purpose of Mir is to enable the development of user interfaces shells.

Wayland - Wayland is intended as a simpler replacement for X, easier to develop and maintain.

DirectFB - DirectFB is a web-based platform that provides you with complete access to a software library that you can use for the acceleration of graphics, handling the input devices, and others for your Linux operating systems.

Xynth Window System - Xynth Window System is a web-based software that is used for the deployment of resources within a minimum resource and offers you features that are alternatives to the X Window System.

Metisse - Metisse is an open-source software solution that is used for a seamless implementation of an interface on your desktop.

xmodmap - The xmodmap program is used to edit and display the keyboard modifier map and keymap table that are...