Moving from X11 to Wayland

For years, the X11 display server has been the backbone of Linux desktop environments, providing a robust and flexible framework for window management. However, with the advent of Wayland, a newer, more secure, and more efficient display server protocol, I decided to finally give it a try and start my transition from X11 to Wayland and, specifically, from i3wm to SwayWM.

Wayland is designed to address the limitations and security concerns of X11. With Wayland, the compositor (the component responsible for rendering graphics) is integrated into the display server, reducing the attack surface and improving overall system security. Additionally, Wayland provides:

Faster performance: By reducing the overhead of X11’s client-server architecture, Wayland enables faster rendering and improved responsiveness. Better support for modern graphics: Wayland is designed to take advantage of modern graphics hardware, providing better support for features like 3D rendering, graphics acceleration, and multi-monitor setups.

i3wm, a popular, lightweight, and highly customizable window manager for X11 was my home for many years and served me well.

SwayWM is a drop-in replacement for i3wm, offering:

Familiar interface: SwayWM’s configuration and usage are largely identical to i3wm, making it easy for users to transition. Wayland support: As a native Wayland compositor, SwayWM takes full advantage of the protocol’s features and performance benefits. Improved security: By running on Wayland, SwayWM provides an additional layer of security compared to i3wm on X11.

Transitioning from i3wm to SwayWM is relatively straightforward:

Install SwayWM: Most Linux distributions offer SwayWM in their package repositories. You can install it using your distribution’s package manager. Copy your i3wm configuration: SwayWM uses a similar configuration file format to i3wm. You can copy your existing i3wm configuration to SwayWM, with minimal modifications. Update your configuration: Some configuration options may need to be adjusted or replaced to take advantage of Wayland-specific features. Run SwayWM: Launch SwayWM using the sway command.

Migrating from X11 to Wayland and from i3wm to SwayWM offers a range of benefits, including improved security, performance, and support for modern graphics. With its familiar interface and configuration format, SwayWM provides a seamless transition for i3wm users. As the Linux community continues to adopt Wayland, SwayWM is an excellent choice for those looking to take advantage of the latest display server technology.