The fourth experimental release of the instant messaging client Pidgin 3.0 (2.93) has been introduced. This release is noted as having the quality level of a preliminary alpha version, not intended for everyday use. The builds are prepared in Flatpak format (only the source code archive is currently available).
The Pidgin 3 branch has been in development since 2011, and prior to that, it was discussed for three more years at the conceptual and idea level. Pidgin 3 has transitioned to a GObject type system, GTK4 libraries, and Adwaita, the Meson build system, GPlugin for plugin handling, SQLite for chat history storage, and GSettings for settings management. The API has been completely redesigned. GTK Builder XML has been used to define interface elements, and a custom widget library called Talkatu has been created for chat history display.
The Pidgin 3 interface merges the contact list and chat into a single window. The console client Finch has been discontinued (though it may return in the future). Currently, only IRCv3 is supported, and new implementations of XMPP, SIP, and Bonjour protocols are being developed, which are only partially supported. The Pidgin 3 branch is incompatible with Pidgin 2 and previously created plugins, but it can be installed alongside existing Pidgin 2 builds.
Among the changes in the presented test release:
- The concept of backends for permanent data storage, such as chat history and active chats, has been implemented. A backend based on SQLite is available.
- When the application is closed, all open chats are saved by default, without the need to manually add the channel to the contact list and activate auto-reconnect to the channel. Such operations are now performed automatically for personal messages, group messages, and chat channels that are open at the time of program closure.
- A new application icon has been introduced.
- Color scheme settings have been added, allowing users to switch between dark and light modes or activate the system theme.
- Support for IRCv3 and SIP protocols has been improved.
Source: opennet.ru
