Replacing My Window Manager with Google Chrome
14 days ago
- #Window Manager
- #Linux
- #Web Technologies
- The article discusses replacing a Linux desktop environment with Google Chrome by using a web browser to handle window decorations, backgrounds, and interactions.
- A window manager is introduced that leverages X11 and OpenGL for compositing, allowing the browser to control window rendering and behavior.
- The project aims to simplify window manager customization by utilizing web technologies (CSS, JS) instead of traditional desktop environment modifications.
- Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) is used to embed a browser within the desktop, enabling local file serving and interaction with low-level system interfaces.
- A custom protocol is developed using Protobuf and nanomsg for efficient communication between the browser and the window manager processes.
- The article details technical challenges like event loop synchronization and solutions such as message throttling to prevent swamping.
- Examples of custom window managers are provided, including a Windows 98 style, a React-based XP style, and a novelty DVD logo manager.
- Future directions include exploring Wayland compositing and optimizing browser-engine control to reduce latency.
- The project is open-source, available on GitHub, and can be installed via the AUR for users to experiment with.