Wayland is quickly becoming the preferred display server for Linux, offering improved performance and security compared to its predecessor, X11. But how do you know if your favorite applications are taking full advantage of Wayland's capabilities? This guide will show you easy ways to check if an app is Wayland-native using the powerful command-line tool, xprop.
Understanding Wayland vs. X11
Before diving into the xprop method, let's briefly clarify the difference. Wayland is a modern display server designed from the ground up for compositors (like GNOME's Mutter or KDE's KWin). X11, on the other hand, is the older, more established system. Many applications still use X11 compatibility layers even on Wayland sessions. This can lead to performance bottlenecks and some features not working as expected. Therefore, confirming whether an app is truly Wayland-native is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing your desktop experience.
Using Xprop to Identify Wayland Native Applications
xprop is a command-line utility that allows you to inspect the properties of X windows. While Wayland is different from X11, many Wayland compositors still use xprop to expose some relevant information. Here's how to use it to determine if an application is Wayland-native:
Step 1: Identify the Application Window
First, you need to identify the window of the application you want to check. Make sure the application's window is focused (active).
Step 2: Run the Xprop Command
Open your terminal and type the following command:
xprop | grep WM_PROTOCOLS
This command searches for the WM_PROTOCOLS property within the window's properties. This property contains information about the protocols the window supports.
Step 3: Interpret the Results
The output will look something like this:
WM_PROTOCOLS(ATOM): ... _NET_WM_PING ... _NET_WM_SYNC_REQUEST ...
Here's the key: The presence of _NET_WM_PING and similar Wayland-specific protocols strongly suggests that the application is either Wayland-native or at least using a Wayland-aware interface. The absence of these protocols might indicate it's running under an X11 compatibility layer. Keep in mind that not all Wayland-native applications will explicitly list all Wayland protocols in this property, so it's not a definitive test.
Important Note: If you see an error like "xprop: unable to open display ":0", it means you haven't started a display server (or you're not running X11/Wayland compatible desktop). This will prevent you from retrieving the window properties.
Limitations of Using Xprop
While xprop is useful, it's not a foolproof method. Some applications might use clever techniques to mask their underlying implementation. Moreover, the presence or absence of specific protocols doesn't definitively prove if an application uses Wayland internally—it's more about the communication protocol with the compositor.
Beyond Xprop: Other Ways to Check
While xprop gives you a good indication, other factors can help determine if an application is leveraging Wayland properly:
- Visual Performance: Wayland-native apps often exhibit smoother animations and better overall performance.
- Application Documentation: Check the application's official website or documentation. They often mention Wayland support explicitly.
- Community Forums: Search online forums and communities for information about the specific application and its Wayland compatibility.
By combining the xprop method with visual observations and information from other sources, you'll get a comprehensive understanding of whether your applications are running natively under Wayland. Remember to use this knowledge to optimize your Linux desktop experience.
