Description: Wayland is a protocol that specifies the communication between a display server and its clients, designed to be a modern and more efficient alternative to the older X11 system. Unlike its predecessor, Wayland aims to simplify the architecture of window management and graphical representation, allowing applications to communicate directly with the display server. This not only improves performance but also reduces latency and resource consumption. Wayland is based on a compositor model, where the compositor is responsible for window management and screen composition, enabling a smoother and more efficient graphical experience. Additionally, Wayland offers advanced features such as input management and screen synchronization, making it ideal for modern desktop environments and other graphical applications. Its adoption has grown in various Linux distributions, which seek to provide users with a faster and more modern experience compared to traditional graphical solutions.
History: Wayland was initiated in 2008 by Kristian Høgsberg as a project to create a new windowing system that would overcome the limitations of X11. Over the years, it has evolved with contributions from multiple developers and has been adopted by various Linux distributions. In 2012, the first stable version was established, marking an important milestone in its development. Since then, Wayland has gained popularity and has been integrated into a variety of desktop environments.
Uses: Wayland is primarily used in Linux desktop environments to manage graphical representation and application interaction. Its design allows for better resource efficiency and a smoother user experience. Additionally, it is used in embedded devices and systems that require optimized graphical performance.
Examples: Distributions like Fedora and Pop!_OS have adopted Wayland as their default windowing system, providing users with a more modern and efficient experience. In the case of EndeavourOS, users can choose between Wayland and X11, depending on their preferences and needs.
