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kwin/README.md
Martin Flöser 96496a8608 Add a new markdown README 
Summary:
The old readme was targetted at application developers having
conceptional questions about window management. While we all know that
this is very often needed, I doubt that any application developer is
looking at KWin's README to figure out why their window doesn't get
focus.

The new README is focussing more on potential new contributors by
describing what KWin is and how to reach our team. E.g as a nice small
document readable on git project hosting sides.

The information in the readme is mostly taken from
https://community.kde.org/KWin/Mission_Statement

Reviewers: #kwin

Subscribers: kwin

Tags: #kwin

Differential Revision: https://phabricator.kde.org/D17722
2018-12-22 08:42:38 +01:00

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KWin

KWin is an easy to use, but flexible, composited Window Manager for Xorg windowing systems (Wayland, X11) on Linux. Its primary usage is in conjunction with a Desktop Shell (e.g. KDE Plasma Desktop). KWin is designed to go out of the way; users should not notice that they use a window manager at all. Nevertheless KWin provides a steep learning curve for advanced features, which are available, if they do not conflict with the primary mission. KWin does not have a dedicated targeted user group, but follows the targeted user group of the Desktop Shell using KWin as it's window manager.

KWin is not...

  • a standalone window manager (c.f. openbox, i3) and does not provide any functionality belonging to a Desktop Shell.
  • a replacement for window managers designed for use with a specific Desktop Shell (e.g. GNOME Shell)
  • a minimalistic window manager
  • designed for use without compositing or for X11 network transparency, though both are possible.

Contacting KWin development team

Support

Application Developer

If you are an application developer having questions regarding windowing systems (either X11 or Wayland) please do not hesitate to contact us. Preferable through our mailing list. Ideally subscribe to the mailing list, so that your mail doesn't get stuck in the moderation queue.

End user

Please contact the support channels of your Linux distribution for user support. The KWin development team does not provide end user support.

Reporting bugs

Please use KDE's bugtracker and report for product KWin.

Developing on KWin

Please refer to hacking documentation for how to build and start KWin. Further information about KWin's test suite can be found in TESTING.md.

Guidelines for new features

A new Feature can only be added to KWin if:

  • it does not violate the primary missions as stated at the start of this document
  • it does not introduce instabilities
  • it is maintained, that is bugs are fixed in a timely manner (second next minor release) if it is not a corner case.
  • it works together with all existing features
  • it supports both single and multi screen (xrandr)
  • it adds a significant advantage
  • it is feature complete, that is supports at least all useful features from competitive implementations
  • it is not a special case for a small user group
  • it does not increase code complexity significantly
  • it does not affect KWin's license (GPLv2+)

All new added features are under probation, that is if any of the non-functional requirements as listed above do not hold true in the next two feature releases, the added feature will be removed again.

The same non functional requirements hold true for any kind of plugins (effects, scripts, etc.). It is suggested to use scripted plugins and distribute them separately.