Gnome Developers in Discussion to End Support for X.Org
In a move that should surprise no one, the team behind the GNOME desktop environment is hinting at removing support for X.Org so they can focus on Wayland.
In this merge request, the GNOME development team stated, "This is the first step towards deprecating the X11 session, the gnome-xorg.desktop file is removed, but the X11 functionality is still there so you can restore the X11 session by installing the file in the appropriate place on your own."
That was then followed by the suggestion to remove the rest of the X11 session code for the next cycle, which could then be followed by removing the X11 code altogether.
This makes perfect sense, as X11 has been getting less and less testing over the last few years and Wayland development continues to go full steam. On top of that, Wayland is far more secure than X11 and offers features better suited for modern displays and interfaces.
Of course, not every developer is keen on dropping X11 so soon. One commenter in the thread mentioned how Wayland isn't ready for graphics professionals (as it has yet to implement basic color management).
However, the GNOME team isn't pulling the plug on X11 just yet. This proposal only removes one 8-line text file that can be added back if a user wants to continue with X11.
Removing support for X11 is an inevitability, as Wayland is the future of the Linux desktop. Chances are good that X11 will be fully deprecated by the end of 2024.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.