Tiling Window Managers Are Just A Waste Of Time

Summary

The script discusses the user's experience with tiling window managers on Linux, comparing them to traditional floating window managers. It highlights the productivity and efficiency benefits of tiling but acknowledges the learning curve and potential inefficiencies of manual tilers. The speaker recommends starting with I3 or Sway due to their ease of use and customization, and suggests using dynamic or hybrid tiling for better adaptability. The video also addresses misconceptions about mouse usage and the flexibility of window sizing in tiling environments, concluding that the choice of window manager should align with individual workflow preferences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker uses tiling window managers like I3, bspwm, and sway on Linux and recommends them for increased productivity, ease of use, and efficient screen real estate.
• 🤔 Some users may not find tiling window managers as efficient as expected, especially when their workflow requires dynamic window sizing.
• 🛠️ The speaker suggests that I3 is a good starting point for new users due to its power, customization options, and well-documented features.
• 🔄 The inefficiency of manual tilers comes from the need to manually decide the direction of tiling for each new window.
• 🔄 Dynamic tilers automatically place windows based on an internal layout, which can be more efficient and user-friendly.
• 🔄 Hybrid tilers like bspwm offer a mix of both manual and automatic tiling, providing flexibility for the user.
• 📚 The speaker recommends trying out auto-tiling scripts to enhance the experience with tiling window managers like I3 or Sway.
• 🖱️ Using a mouse with a tiling window manager is not only acceptable but can also be more convenient for certain tasks.
• 🔄 Users can still control window sizes and switch between full-screen modes easily in tiling window managers.
• 📝 The speaker advises new users to learn the default hotkeys and observe how others use the environment to adapt their workflow.
• 💻 The choice between using a tiling window manager on a desktop or a laptop does not significantly change the user experience, as the same principles apply.
• 🔧 The speaker emphasizes that if a tiling window manager does not suit a user's needs, there are alternative floating window managers to explore.

Q & A

What is a tiling window manager and why are they popular among Linux users?

A tiling window manager is a type of window manager that automatically arranges windows in non-overlapping frames, maximizing the use of screen space. They are popular among Linux users due to their increased productivity, ease of use, and efficient use of screen real estate.

What are some common tiling window managers mentioned in the script?

The script mentions i3, bspwm, and sway as common tiling window managers used on Linux.

Why might some users find tiling window managers less efficient than expected?

Some users might find tiling window managers less efficient because of the dynamic nature of their work, where they frequently switch between applications requiring different window sizes, which can be cumbersome to manage in a tiling environment.

What is the difference between a manual tiler and a dynamic tiler?

A manual tiler requires the user to decide the direction in which new windows will tile, which can be inefficient. A dynamic tiler, on the other hand, places windows based on an internal layout, which can be more efficient and easier to manage.

What is the role of a hybrid tiler like bspwm?

A hybrid tiler, such as bspwm, combines the features of both manual and dynamic tilers, allowing for an internal layout while also providing the ability to manually move and arrange windows as needed.

Why is i3 often recommended as a first tiling window manager?

i3 is recommended for beginners because it offers a lot of power and customization, has well-documented features, and comes with a lot of third-party tooling. It's also pre-configured, making it easier to start with.

What is the advantage of using a dynamic tiler for new users?

A dynamic tiler is advantageous for new users because it automatically places windows into a layout, reducing the need for manual management and making the transition to a tiling window manager smoother.

How can users control window sizes in a tiling window manager?

Users can control window sizes in a tiling window manager by using hotkeys and mouse actions, such as holding down a modifier key and right-clicking to resize windows.