Why is it so hard to switch DE's on the fly?

Cacofonix · 09-06-2018, 02:39 PM

I know it confuses some apps and it is easier done in a VM. But Why?
WHy do I have to wear the same costume every night? Maybe today I feel like GNOME, the rest of the days I like KDE.
How difficult can it be to have a script to change over and then back minus whatever may potentially cause problems?

hydrurga · 09-06-2018, 02:59 PM

Because the desktop environment isn't just a costume. It spreads its tendrils into your body.

On the other hand, if you fancy writing that script, I'm sure it would be well-received.

Cacofonix · 09-06-2018, 03:12 PM

[QUOTE=hydrurga;5900634]Because the desktop environment isn't just a costume. It spreads its tendrils into your body.

On the other hand, if you fancy writing that script, I'm sure it would be well-received.[/QUO

Thanks for the clarification. I accept the challenge on 'that' script

fatmac · 09-07-2018, 04:07 AM

I can swap WMs easily in my distro, AntiX, (but I don't use DEs, but can't imagine why it would be any different).

BW-userx · 09-07-2018, 08:51 AM

yes, I was about to suggest that, WM swapping on the fly, whereas DE swapping they've got too much going on to deal with that. though I got my mind made up before I log in as to which WM I am going to use at the moment.

the difference between the two
https://www.ghacks.net/2008/12/09/ge...indow-manager/

DavidMcCann · 09-07-2018, 10:43 AM

It's easy enough to select your desktop when you log in. How often do you want to change in the middle of a session? And if you do, how long does it take to log out and log in again?

jefro · 09-07-2018, 01:53 PM

I've never heard of changing on the fly. It would be a rather large task that few asked for.

Many currently log out and then switches to different WM. It may be possible to stay logged in and then switch too on some builds.

BW-userx · 09-07-2018, 02:15 PM

if one looks at the root default menu for WMaker

Code:

	"Appearance" END

	"Session" MENU
		"Save Session" SAVE_SESSION
		"Clear Session" CLEAR_SESSION
		"Restart Window Maker" RESTART
		"Start BlackBox" RESTART blackbox
		"Start IceWM" RESTART icewm
		"Exit"  EXIT
	"Session" END
"Applications" END

one can get a good idea on how to set up there WindowManager (WM), not Desktop Environment (DE) to switch WM on the fly via their "home made" menus for their WM's.