dwm

Website

dwm.suckless.org

Categories

#Window Manager #Linux #Utilities #Open Source

bspwm

Website

github.com

Categories

#Utilities #Window Manager #Linux #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.

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.

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

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