KWin/Mission Statement: Difference between revisions
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= KWin Mission Statement = | = KWin Mission Statement = | ||
== User Perspective == | == User Perspective == | ||
KWin is an easy to use, but flexible, composited Window Manger for windowing systems on Linux. Its primary usage is in conjunction with a Desktop Shell (e.g. KDE Plasma Desktop). KWin is designed to go out of the way; users should not notice that they use a window manager at all. Nevertheless KWin provides a steep learning curve for advanced features, which are available, if they do not conflict with the primary mission. KWin does not have a dedicated targeted user group, but follows the targeted user group of the Desktop Shell using KWin as it's Window Manager. | KWin is an easy to use, but flexible, composited Window Manger for Xorg windowing systems on Linux. Its primary usage is in conjunction with a Desktop Shell (e.g. KDE Plasma Desktop). KWin is designed to go out of the way; users should not notice that they use a window manager at all. Nevertheless KWin provides a steep learning curve for advanced features, which are available, if they do not conflict with the primary mission. KWin does not have a dedicated targeted user group, but follows the targeted user group of the Desktop Shell using KWin as it's Window Manager. | ||
== What KWin is not == | == What KWin is not == | ||
Revision as of 13:34, 19 June 2013
KWin Mission Statement
User Perspective
KWin is an easy to use, but flexible, composited Window Manger for Xorg windowing systems on Linux. Its primary usage is in conjunction with a Desktop Shell (e.g. KDE Plasma Desktop). KWin is designed to go out of the way; users should not notice that they use a window manager at all. Nevertheless KWin provides a steep learning curve for advanced features, which are available, if they do not conflict with the primary mission. KWin does not have a dedicated targeted user group, but follows the targeted user group of the Desktop Shell using KWin as it's Window Manager.
What KWin is not
- KWin is not a standalone window manager (c.f. openbox) and does not provide any functionality belonging to a Desktop Shell.
- KWin is not a replacement for Window Managers designed for use with a specific Desktop Shell (e.g. GNOME Shell)
- KWin is not a minimalistic Window Manager
- KWin is not designed for use without compositing or for X11 network transparency, though both are possible.
Developer Perspective
A new Feature can only be added to KWin if:
- it does not violate the primary missions as stated in User Perspective
- it does not introduce instabilities
- it is maintained, that is bugs are fixed in a timely manner (second next minor release) if it is not a corner case.
- it works together with all existing features
- it supports both single and multi screen (xrandr)
- it adds a significant advantage
- it is feature complete, that is supports at least all useful features from competitive implementations
- it is not a special case for a small user group
- it does not increase code complexity significantly
All new added features are under probation, that is if any of the non-functional requirements as listed above do not hold true in the next two feature releases, the added feature will be removed again.
The same non functional requirements hold true for any kind of plugins (effects, scripts, etc.). It is suggested to use scripted plugins and distribute them separately.