XFCE 4.20

Summary

XFCE 4.20 introduces experimental Wayland support while maintaining X11 compatibility, showcasing a balance between innovation and stability. Key improvements include enhanced file management in Thunar, faster file transfers, and better performance in the Exo library, particularly with icon view. Notably, window decorations now save vertical space, streamlining the UI. Although some core components like the XFCE Window Manager and Dashboard do not yet support Wayland, the overall focus remains on robust functionality and efficiency. This update reinforces XFCE's reputation as a stable, user-friendly desktop environment designed for performance and usability.

Takeaways

• 😀 XFCE 4.20 was released on December 15th, 2023, bringing important updates to the desktop environment.
• 😀 The visual changes between XFCE 4.20 and the previous version, XFCE 4.18, appear minimal at first glance.
• 😀 XFCE 4.20 adds experimental support for Wayland, alongside continued stable support for X11.
• 😀 Some components in XFCE 4.20 support Wayland only partially, such as workspace management, energy settings, and Thunar file manager.
• 😀 The XFCE Window Manager (XFWM) is still not compatible with Wayland, requiring X11 to function properly.
• 😀 XFCE 4.20 introduces a new screen capture tool that supports the Wayland `screen copy` protocol, but only for full-screen captures.
• 😀 The new screen capture tool cannot capture specific areas or active windows under Wayland.
• 😀 The `exo` library and icon view have been optimized, leading to significant performance improvements, especially for file management.
• 😀 Thunar file manager can now handle larger quantities of files more efficiently and performs faster file transfers by reducing checksum verification steps.
• 😀 One of the most notable UI improvements in XFCE 4.20 is the new window decoration, which eliminates unnecessary menu bars, saving vertical screen space.
• 😀 This window decoration change follows the design principles of GNOME, focusing on maximizing screen real estate.
• 😀 Overall, XFCE 4.20 focuses on stability, robust functionality, and a balance between performance and new technologies like Wayland support.

Q & A

What is the most significant change introduced in XFCE 4.20?

The most significant change in XFCE 4.20 is the introduction of experimental support for Wayland, although XFCE continues to prioritize compatibility with X11.

How does the Wayland support in XFCE 4.20 affect its functionality?

Wayland support is experimental in XFCE 4.20, meaning that while some components have partial compatibility with Wayland, others, such as the XFCE Window Manager (XFWM), do not support it at all.

Which XFCE components are partially compatible with Wayland?

Components like the workspace manager, XFCE 4 Settings, and certain elements related to energy management, such as those for keyboard and mouse, have partial support for Wayland in XFCE 4.20.

What is a key limitation of the Wayland support in XFCE 4.20?

A key limitation is that XFCE 4.20 does not fully support Wayland for all components, particularly the XFWM (XFCE Window Manager), which means that users wanting full Wayland support must use a different window manager like Weston or Sway.

How has the performance of XFCE 4.20 improved compared to previous versions?

Performance improvements in XFCE 4.20 include enhancements in the Exo library and the icon view in Thunar, which together boost overall performance, particularly in file management tasks and in handling large numbers of files.

What new feature in Thunar makes file transfers faster in XFCE 4.20?

Thunar now avoids unnecessary MD5 checksum verifications during file transfers, making the process faster, especially when dealing with large numbers of files.

What graphical change in XFCE 4.20 improves the user interface?

A major graphical improvement in XFCE 4.20 is the new window decoration style that allows for a cleaner interface by removing the top menu bar, saving vertical space and giving the desktop a more modern look.

Why is the removal of the top menu bar in XFCE 4.20 considered a positive change?

The removal of the top menu bar is seen as positive because it frees up vertical space on the screen, making the user interface cleaner and more efficient, similar to the design choices seen in other modern desktop environments like GNOME.

What does the video say about XFCE's focus as a desktop environment?

XFCE’s focus is on providing a balance between functionality and performance. It is not focused on constant innovation, but rather on ensuring stability and robustness for a smooth user experience.

How does XFCE 4.20 compare to other desktop environments in terms of innovation?

XFCE 4.20 is not as focused on constant innovation as other desktop environments like GNOME, but it emphasizes stability and performance. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize reliability over cutting-edge features.