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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What's the difference between desktop environments? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I wonder why devs need to work on multiple different environments. I only have (user)experience with KDE and GNOME but what's the difference between them?

It's not the default layout, you could ship another default version
goals can be to maximize customizability (features) while minimizing ressources. Or the other way round. (Or simplicity)
is it because devs like different frameworks (qt, gtk)? Or language?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 years ago (1 children)

DE is the shell, the difference between them is this:

Development rules, Development philosophies, Language made in, Purpose of creation, and the differing features.

KDE can be highly customizable, to the point you could make it look like Gnome, but it'll never run nor be Gnome. Gnome is more closed off, any customization is reliant on extensions. LXQT allows you a more windows XP look without customization to the level of KDE, but you have more modularity with certain parts of it. XFCE can have plugins to Thunar, and the desktop of xfdesktop, all panels are custimzable to look more like what you want too, but there's not that giant variety of Themes, unlike KDE.

On the terms of philosophy: You can't just yank a project to a direction you want, you will either Fork that (making another DE) or you will make your own DE to make it so you'll command the direction and philosophy. This is the most complete answer you're ever going to get without having a multiple page essay

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 years ago

I'm not sure if I like this answer. It basically boils down to, everyone wants to cook his own soup.

If you want to have it less customizable, you can build on the same fundament but don't enable the functionality.