Qtile
A tiling WM configured in pure Python — hackable, keyboard-driven, X11 or Wayland.
Qtile is the tiling window manager for Python people. The whole WM is written in Python and configured in Python: your config.py imports modules, defines layouts and keys as objects, and can reach any library in the ecosystem. If you can write a list comprehension, you can reshape your desktop.
It runs on both X11 and Wayland from the same codebase, ships a set of ready layouts and a built-in bar with widgets, and reloads configs without logging out. Qtile\'s community is exactly who you expect: Pythonistas who script their tools, share config snippets like recipes, and enjoy that their window manager speaks their language natively.
Strengths
- Configured in real Python: readable, powerful, importable.
- Both X11 and Wayland backends from one project.
- Built-in bar and widget set, extendable in Python.
- Live config reload speeds iteration.
- Approachable internals: contributing is unusually easy.
Watch-outs
- Python config means Python errors; typos can dump you to a TTY.
- Smaller community than i3/Hyprland spheres.
- Performance is fine, but compiled rivals are snappier at the margins.
Standout features
- The premier Python-native WM since the early 2010s.
- config.py can import anything: your WM can query APIs if you like.
- Same config across X11 and Wayland sessions.
- Widget authorship in a few lines of familiar code.
Who it's for
Best for
Python developers and scripters who want their environment in their language.Maybe not for
Non-programmers and anyone who wants configuration to be settings, not code.The Qtile player profile
In Distro Fighter's desktop round, Qtile tends to win for people who…
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Distros that ship it
Signature moves
Is Qtile right for you?
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