Vtm is a terminal-based desktop environment built with Python and inspired by tiling window managers. It aims to provide a lightweight and keyboard-driven workflow, allowing users to manage multiple terminal windows within a single terminal instance. Vtm utilizes a tree-like structure for window organization, enabling split layouts and tabbed interfaces. Its configuration is handled through a simple Python file, offering customization options for keybindings, colors, and startup applications. Ultimately, Vtm strives to offer a minimalist and efficient terminal experience for users who prefer a text-based environment.
The GitHub repository, directvt/vtm, introduces Vtm, a novel text-based desktop environment meticulously crafted for Linux systems. It distinguishes itself from traditional terminal multiplexers and window managers by offering a fully integrated desktop experience within the confines of a terminal emulator. This means users can interact with a comprehensive suite of applications and manage their workflow entirely through textual interfaces, without relying on graphical elements.
Vtm leverages the capabilities of libtickit, a composable terminal UI library, to construct its interface elements. This allows for a dynamic and responsive user experience, efficiently handling keyboard input and screen updates. The core design philosophy emphasizes modularity, enabling users to customize and extend Vtm's functionality through plugins written in Lua. This extensibility empowers users to tailor Vtm to their specific needs and preferences, creating a highly personalized computing environment.
The desktop environment encompasses a variety of built-in applications and features designed to replicate common graphical desktop functionalities. These include a file manager for navigating and manipulating files, a terminal emulator for executing commands and running shell scripts, and a text editor for composing and editing documents. Additionally, Vtm offers a system monitor to track resource usage, a network manager for configuring network connections, and a notification system for displaying alerts and messages.
Furthermore, Vtm incorporates a tiling window management system, allowing users to arrange and organize multiple application windows efficiently within the terminal window. This facilitates multitasking and allows for a structured workflow within the textual interface. The project actively encourages contributions and welcomes developers to participate in enhancing its features and expanding its capabilities. The stated goal is to provide a powerful yet lightweight alternative to traditional graphical desktop environments, catering to users who prefer or require a text-based interface. The overall objective is to create a complete and versatile desktop experience entirely within the terminal, offering a productive and customizable environment for a range of tasks.
Summary of Comments ( 39 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43291946
Hacker News users discuss vtm, a text-based desktop environment, focusing on its potential niche use cases. Some commenters see value in its minimal resource usage for embedded systems or as a fallback interface. Others appreciate the accessibility benefits for visually impaired users or those who prefer keyboard-driven workflows. Several express interest in trying vtm out of curiosity or for specific tasks like remote server administration. A few highlight the project's novelty and the nostalgic appeal of text-based interfaces. Some skepticism is voiced regarding its practicality compared to modern graphical DEs, but the overall sentiment is positive, with many praising the developer's effort and acknowledging the potential value of such a project. A discussion arises about the use of terminology, clarifying the difference between a window manager and a desktop environment. The lightweight nature of vtm and its integration with notcurses are also highlighted.
The Hacker News post "Vtm: Text-Based Desktop Environment" spawned a moderately active discussion with several interesting points raised in the comments section.
Several users discussed the practical applications of such a desktop environment. One user highlighted its potential usefulness for remote server administration, especially over low-bandwidth connections or when graphical interfaces are unavailable. They emphasized the benefit of having a familiar desktop-like environment within a terminal, allowing for tasks like window management and application switching. Another user echoed this sentiment, suggesting its suitability for embedded systems or situations requiring a minimal footprint.
The discussion also touched upon the historical context of text-based user interfaces (TUIs), with some users drawing parallels to older systems and highlighting the cyclical nature of technology trends. One commenter fondly reminisced about using similar environments in the past, while another discussed the enduring appeal of TUIs for their efficiency and low resource consumption. This sparked a mini-thread discussing the advantages and disadvantages of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) versus TUIs, with users weighing in on factors like ease of use, accessibility, and resource usage.
Some comments focused on the technical aspects of
vtm. One user inquired about the underlying technology and libraries used, demonstrating curiosity about its implementation. Another user expressed interest in the project's custom window manager, wondering about its capabilities and features compared to traditional window managers. There was also a brief exchange regarding the programming language used for the project (C) and its suitability for such a task.A few users expressed skepticism about the project's practicality in modern computing, questioning its relevance in a world dominated by GUIs. However, these comments were countered by others who argued for the niche use cases mentioned earlier, emphasizing the value of having alternatives to resource-intensive graphical environments.
Finally, some users simply expressed appreciation for the project, praising its ingenuity and the developer's effort in creating a functional text-based desktop environment. One commenter lauded the project as "cool," highlighting the inherent appeal of such a unique approach to interface design.