FlashSpace is a free and open-source macOS application designed as a faster, more lightweight alternative to the built-in Spaces feature. It aims to provide smoother and more responsive virtual desktop switching, reducing lag and improving overall performance compared to the native solution. The project is hosted on GitHub and welcomes contributions.
Wojciech Kulik has introduced FlashSpace, an open-source alternative to macOS's built-in Spaces functionality, designed with a focus on speed and efficiency. Spaces, the virtual desktop feature in macOS, allows users to organize applications across multiple desktops, enhancing productivity and window management. However, some users find the native implementation lacking in performance and customizability. FlashSpace aims to address these perceived shortcomings.
FlashSpace is implemented using Swift and leverages Apple's private APIs. It is designed to be significantly faster than the default Spaces implementation, offering virtually instantaneous switching between virtual desktops. This increased speed aims to create a more seamless and fluid workflow for users who frequently utilize multiple desktops. The project prioritizes performance optimization to minimize delays and enhance the overall user experience.
The project is openly available on GitHub, encouraging community involvement and contributions. The open-source nature of FlashSpace allows for transparency in its development and provides opportunities for users to customize and extend its functionality. While leveraging private APIs might introduce potential compatibility issues with future macOS updates, the open-source model allows for community-driven maintenance and adaptation to changes in the operating system. The project's README provides instructions on how to build and install FlashSpace, targeting users comfortable with compiling code from source. Though currently focused on performance and speed, the project’s future direction may include incorporating additional features and refinements based on community feedback and contributions. FlashSpace represents an attempt to provide a more responsive and dynamic virtual desktop experience for macOS users.
Summary of Comments ( 37 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42984420
Hacker News users generally praised FlashSpace for its speed and open-source nature, seeing it as a welcome alternative to the built-in macOS Spaces feature. Several commenters expressed interest in features like window previews within the Spaces overview and better integration with keyboard shortcuts. Some questioned the app's stability and long-term maintenance given it's a solo project. There was also discussion about existing window management alternatives and their respective strengths and weaknesses compared to FlashSpace, with mentions of yaba, Rectangle, and Amethyst. A few users shared their own experiences with similar personal projects and the challenges of balancing feature requests with maintainability.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement" generated several comments discussing the project, its functionality, and potential improvements.
Several users expressed appreciation for the project, highlighting the speed and smoothness of FlashSpace compared to the built-in macOS Spaces. They found the instant switching between spaces particularly appealing. Some users who had tried other Spaces alternatives in the past noted that FlashSpace felt significantly more responsive and less buggy.
Performance was a key topic of discussion. One user questioned the performance difference compared to other solutions and the developer (wojciechkulik, the project author) responded explaining that FlashSpace leverages Core Graphics APIs for direct screen manipulation, bypassing the potentially slower Quartz Compositor, which might be used by other methods. This explanation was well-received and contributed to the positive perception of the project's technical approach.
The open-source nature of FlashSpace was praised, with several comments expressing interest in contributing or exploring the codebase. The use of Swift and SwiftUI was also seen as a positive aspect.
Some users suggested potential improvements and features. One suggestion involved allowing users to configure the swipe gestures for switching spaces. Another user requested the ability to assign applications to specific spaces. Support for moving windows between spaces using keyboard shortcuts was also mentioned as a desirable feature. The developer actively engaged with these suggestions, acknowledging their value and expressing openness to implementing them in the future.
A discussion arose about the project's name, with a few users finding the "Flash" part potentially misleading, as it might be associated with Adobe Flash. Alternative naming suggestions were offered, although no consensus was reached.
Overall, the comments were largely positive and reflected a strong interest in the project. Users appreciated the performance improvements, open-source nature, and active engagement of the developer. While some suggestions for improvements were made, they generally served to enhance the project rather than criticize its core functionality.