Dynamic

X11 vs Wayland

Developers should learn X11 when working on Linux or Unix-based systems that require GUI development, system-level graphics programming, or remote desktop applications meets developers should learn and use wayland when building or maintaining graphical applications for linux desktops, as it is becoming the standard for modern distributions like gnome and kde plasma. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

X11

Developers should learn X11 when working on Linux or Unix-based systems that require GUI development, system-level graphics programming, or remote desktop applications

X11

Nice Pick

Developers should learn X11 when working on Linux or Unix-based systems that require GUI development, system-level graphics programming, or remote desktop applications

Pros

  • +It is essential for building or customizing desktop environments, writing low-level display drivers, or creating applications that need precise control over windowing and input events, such as scientific visualization tools or embedded systems with graphical interfaces
  • +Related to: linux, unix

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Wayland

Developers should learn and use Wayland when building or maintaining graphical applications for Linux desktops, as it is becoming the standard for modern distributions like GNOME and KDE Plasma

Pros

  • +It is particularly valuable for applications requiring smooth animations, touchscreen support, or enhanced security through client isolation
  • +Related to: linux-desktop, x11

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use X11 if: You want it is essential for building or customizing desktop environments, writing low-level display drivers, or creating applications that need precise control over windowing and input events, such as scientific visualization tools or embedded systems with graphical interfaces and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Wayland if: You prioritize it is particularly valuable for applications requiring smooth animations, touchscreen support, or enhanced security through client isolation over what X11 offers.

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The Bottom Line
X11 wins

Developers should learn X11 when working on Linux or Unix-based systems that require GUI development, system-level graphics programming, or remote desktop applications

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