Understanding the Impact of Wayland on Linux

TLDRWayland is often seen as 'breaking' everything that relies on X11 functionality, but this is not the right perspective. While it's true that Wayland doesn't work with certain applications yet, it's important to understand that Wayland wasn't designed as a drop-in replacement for X11. Instead, it aims to address the shortcomings of X11 and provide a more modern and secure display protocol.

Key insights

🔑The perception that Wayland 'breaks' everything comes from a lack of understanding of its purpose and goals.

🔄Wayland was not intended to be a direct replacement for X11 but rather a more modern and secure display protocol.

🔧Some applications and functionalities that rely on X11 may not work with Wayland initially, but this can be addressed through porting and development efforts.

🌟The emergence of portals, PipeWire, and Wayland protocols provides standardized solutions for cross-platform functionality and interoperability.

🚀While there may be some fragmentation in the Linux app landscape, the adoption of common platforms and standards is improving cross-desktop compatibility.

Q&A

Why does Wayland sometimes not work with certain applications?

—Wayland doesn't work with certain applications because they rely on X11 functionality, which is not compatible with Wayland. Porting efforts are needed to make these applications work with Wayland.

What are portals, PipeWire, and Wayland protocols?

—Portals, PipeWire, and Wayland protocols are emerging technologies that provide standardized solutions for various functionalities in the Linux ecosystem. They enable cross-platform functionality and interoperability.

Does Wayland aim to replace X11 completely?

—Wayland was not intended to be a complete replacement for X11. Instead, it addresses the limitations and security issues of X11 while providing a more modern and secure display protocol.

Is cross-desktop compatibility improving in the Linux ecosystem?

—Yes, the adoption of common platforms and standards like portals, PipeWire, and Wayland protocols is improving cross-desktop compatibility in the Linux ecosystem.

Why is there fragmentation in the Linux app landscape?

—Fragmentation in the Linux app landscape arises from the use of different UI toolkits like QT and GTK, which are specific to different desktop environments like KDE and GNOME. This fragmentation can result in inconsistencies and compatibility issues.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the problem of Wayland 'breaking' everything that relies on X11 functionality.

01:45Explanation of why the perspective of Wayland 'breaking' everything is misguided and why it's important to understand the purpose and goals of Wayland.

04:25Discussion of the emergence of portals, PipeWire, and Wayland protocols as standardized solutions for cross-platform functionality and interoperability.

06:45Explanation of why certain applications may not work with Wayland initially due to their reliance on X11 functionality and the need for porting efforts.

09:30Exploration of the improvements in cross-desktop compatibility in the Linux ecosystem due to the adoption of common platforms and standards.

12:40Discussion of the fragmentation in the Linux app landscape caused by different UI toolkits and desktop environments.

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