Description: EWMH, or ‘Extended Window Manager Hints’, is a standard designed to improve interoperability between window managers in the X11 system. This set of hints provides applications with information on how they should behave and present themselves in the graphical environment. EWMH allows window managers and applications to communicate more effectively, facilitating features such as virtual desktop management, window minimization and restoration, and taskbar management. Through EWMH, conventions are established that allow applications to indicate their state and properties, such as whether they are maximized, minimized, or in full-screen mode. This results in a more coherent and fluid user experience, as users can interact with multiple applications more intuitively. EWMH has become an essential component for many modern graphical environments, as it allows for greater customization and control over window layout, thereby enhancing productivity and usability in systems using X11.
History: EWMH was introduced in the early 2000s as an extension of the ‘Inter-Client Communication Conventions Manual’ (ICCCM), which already provided a framework for communication between applications in X11. As user needs and window manager capabilities evolved, it became clear that a more robust standard was needed to address the limitations of ICCCM. EWMH was developed to fill this gap, allowing for better window management and a richer user experience.
Uses: EWMH is primarily used in graphical environments operating over the X11 system, allowing window managers to implement advanced features such as virtual desktop management, window restoration, and integration with task panels. Additionally, EWMH is essential for applications that require specific window behavior, enhancing user interaction.
Examples: A practical example of EWMH in action is how window managers handle full-screen applications. When a user starts a game or video application, EWMH allows the application to notify the window manager to hide other interface elements, such as the taskbar, to provide an immersive experience. Another example is the ability of window managers to remember the state of minimized windows and restore them to their original position when reopened.
