What are the best Linux desktop environments for developers?
11
Options Considered
Last Updated
Join our communityThe best 2 for most people
Powered by 480 community recommendations on 11 options and the Slant algorithm.
Pro Low system resource consumption
For users with netbooks, tablets and older computers where not a lot of system resources are available.
Pro Highly Customizable
XFCE offers plenty of settings, and even things like theming XFWM is a simple task (it's just a handful of images.) Many possible permutations of window colors, borders, fonts, etc.
Pro Classic and Familiar
Xfce works very much like the classic Gnome & Windows desktops, taskbars (panels) and desktop icons, letting you get your work done without being frustrated. Xfce embodies the traditional UNIX philosophy of modularity and re-usability. It consists of a number of components that provide the fu...
Con Outdated default UI
The default theme that comes with XFCE looks like something you would expect to find on Windows 98. Many PC users do not possess the necessary skills to configure XFCE in a way to look more modern.
Con Very slow developement
XFCE tends to be extremely slow in it's development. The last release was Xfce 4.12 on Febuary 28, 2015, a little over a year ago, with the next release still remaining unknown.
Pro Energy saving and extremely fast
LXDE is a simple desktop without a lot of bells and whistles, this allows it to remain lightweight which helps conserve battery power and maintain its speed of use.
Pro Crazy light resource management
Ideal for older hardware,fast execution,conservative look.
Pro Simple and straightforward menus
LXDE utilizes a XP like menu which is straightforward and familiar to many users.
Con Development has slowed
LXDE is slowly reaching End of Life, but will still receive new updates as long as GTK +2 is in use. LXQT could be a natural alternative.
Con No compositor
In order to keep the system light weight and CPU/GPU non intensive LXDE forgoes a compositing program, because of this there will be screen tearing. Though a compositor like Compton can be added for those that want it.
Recommend your favorite options here
Options Considered
Pro Designed for traditional desktops
Intended for large-screen, non-touch devices that extend traditional concepts with functionality and good looking aesthetic.
Con Crashes
Despite Cinnamon being on its stable second version it still crashes a lot, ranging from plugins all the way to drivers.
Pro Extremely stable
Solid as a rock linux desktop, just works.
Con Not very likely to have new features
Since it's basically a fork of Gnome 2, and it's created to satisfy Gnome 'purists' it's very unlikely for it to add new features more in line with modern DEs. But It doesn't mean that it doesn't/won't support modern apps.
Pro Lightweight emphasis
With a focus on being "light-weight", it is to KDE Plasma what XFCE is to GNOME: a familiar enough looking lighter alternative to the more fully featured environment that may work better on lower-end devices and for people who want as lean a system as possible.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
Pro Highly flexible
There are many customization options and possibilities to tweak the desktop, including widgets.
Con Stability problems
Under certain conditions, most of KDE's components can be highly sensitive to race conditions, which leads to KDE applications frequently crashing, and, on rare occasion, kdeinit itself locking up.
Pro Simple and easy to use
GNOME 3 has been designed to make it simple and easy to use. Press a button to view your open windows, launch applications or check if you have new messages.
Con Some areas are unpolished and lack features
Some aspects are still unpolished and lack features - the Gnome design team works well, but seems to not be taking input from the outside world.
Pro Lightweight
Pantheon is light on system resources, giving it the advantage of being able run well on a multitude of setups.
Pro Very stable
It runs for weeks on end without noticeably increasing its memory footprint. It continues running smoothly over extended periods of time. Applications that used to crash in gnome-shell (skype-for-linux, wire, firefox) give me absolutely no problems here.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
Pro Easy access launcher
That is always accessible on the left side.
Pro Get all of the stuff that you need
If all you want is a file manager, a terminal emulator, and a text editor; then all you need is that stuff, a DM and a WM
Con Your computer may get random stuff that you don't use by trying out different things
Although you can uninstall it... e.g. getting three different app launchers, but only using one, or having four different WM .
480 Community Recommendations
+325
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Xfce
Recommended a month ago by DreamerMenoetius
Pro
It has perfect balance between simplicity and usabilityPro
If you used to love old Gnome DE you will love Xfce tooPro
Low system resource consumptionPro
Classic and FamiliarPro
Designed for productivityPro
Highly CustomizablePro
Adheres to standardsPro
Can mimic HiDPI supoprtPro
User-friendlyPro
It works well in remote environment without troublesPro
Easy to setup resource monitoringPro
Highly stableWelcome to the Slant Community
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