i3 is a frame window manager for X11 , created under the influence of another wmii window manager. Configurable with a simple text file. It allows you to significantly expand its functionality due to the possibility of interprocess communication using UNIX-sockets [4] .
| i3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
 i3 with open windows vim editor and terminals | |
| Type of | Window manager |
| Author | Michael stapelberg |
| Written on | C [1] |
| operating system | UNIX-like |
| First edition | 2009-03-15 [2] |
| Latest version | 4.16.1 ( 2019-01-27 ) |
| License | BSD [3] |
| Site | i3wm.org |
Like wmii , i3 is mainly controlled via the keyboard, and keyboard shortcuts are similar to those used in the vi text editor. For example, changing the current window is done by pressing the Alt key and one of the keys (J / K / L /;), and to move the current window, you also need to hold down the Shift key (Alt + Shift + J / K / L /;).
Content
Window Manager Design
- It offers well-written, documented code, which reduces the entry threshold for new developers [3] .
- Works correctly with multiple monitors.
- Like the vi editor, it allows you to have several operating modes. Thus, the same hot keys can have different functions, depending on what mode the manager is in now.
- Uses trees as an abstraction for managing windows. For each subtree, you can separately change the split mode (horizontal / vertical), and for each container, the window layout mode (frame / stack / tabbed).
- Support for UTF-8 encoding.
- Implements an interface for interprocess communication [4] . This allows other programs to send commands to the window manager, as well as receive notifications of certain events.
Comparison with other frame window managers
- i3 is configured with a simple text file, so it can be configured without programming knowledge.
- Unlike other similar window managers ( awesome , dwm , xmonad ), in i3 the user must configure his own windows: divide them horizontally or vertically, change the size and mode of their location.
Floating windows
Although i3 is a frame window manager, it has the ability to create “floating” windows - they appear on top of frames and can be moved and freely resized just like in popular desktop environments such as GNOME or KDE .
I3 developers recommend using them only for pop-ups [5] .
Installation and Setup
Detailed instructions for setting up and installing i3 in Russian can be found here .
Notes
- ↑ Comparison of frame window managers
- ↑ Github releases
- ↑ 1 2 Homepage i3
- ↑ 1 2 Stapelberg, Michael i3: interprocess communication interface .
- ↑ Stapelberg, Michael "floating" workspace .