The release of the composite server Niri 0.1.10 has been published, implementing a tiling layout method in the style of the GNOME extension PaperWM, where windows are grouped into an infinitely scrollable strip on the screen. Opening a new window leads to the strip expanding, while previously added windows do not change size. The project is based on the use of the Wayland protocol but allows X11 applications to run using the Xwayland DDX server. The project's code is distributed under the GPLv3 license. Packages are created for Fedora, NixOS, Arch Linux, and FreeBSD.
A fundamental difference between Niri and PaperWM is the binding of its own window ribbon for each monitor, which does not overlap with ribbons on other monitors (in PaperWM, separate monitor handling cannot be implemented due to the binding to global window coordinates in GNOME Shell). Niri supports HiDPI and can operate on systems with multiple GPUs (for example, hybrid systems with a discrete graphics card and an integrated GPU). It features a built-in interface for taking screenshots and recording screencasts, with the ability to exclude specific windows that contain confidential information from the recording.
Virtual desktops in Niri are created dynamically and, similar to GNOME, are arranged vertically (the window ribbon rotates horizontally while the desktop ribbon is vertical). An independent set of desktops can be displayed on each monitor. virtual desktopsTo switch between desktops and windows, you can use control gestures on the touchpad. When a monitor is disconnected, the layout of virtual desktops is saved and transferred to the remaining monitor, and upon reconnecting the monitor, it is restored to its original state. Configuration is done through a configuration file that allows you to modify parameters such as border width, margins, output modes, and window sizes. Changes made in the configuration file are applied automatically without restarting the composite. server.
In the new version:
- An interactive window movement mode has been added, allowing you to drag a window to a new position by holding the window title with the mouse or by tapping on the touchscreen. To prevent unintentional layout changes at the start of dragging, a certain resistance threshold must be overcome to detach from the current position.
- The ability to bind commands to laptop lid open or close events or to switch the laptop into tablet mode has been added. For example, upon switching to tablet mode, you can automatically activate the on-screen keyboard. It is also now possible to automatically move virtual workspaces to an external monitor (if connected) after closing the laptop lid.
- Support for the set_cursor_position_hint request has been added. If the cursor position is locked in lock_pointer mode, the added request allows the application to pass information about the final cursor position to the composite manager after its movement.
- Options have been added to hide the cursor while typing or after a certain period of inactivity.
- New input device settings have been added, such as a section with trackball parameters and options for scrolling with a mouse wheel or touchpad.
- Ensured the preservation of information about the active virtual desktop after reconnecting the monitor.
- The action 'power-on-monitors' has been added to control the output of the monitor from sleep mode (by default, the monitor automatically activates after any input event).
- A file for running niri under the dinit service manager has been added.
Source: opennet.ru
