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{{Short description|Simple mouse-free tiling window manager}}
{{Short description|Tiling window manager}}
{{About|the computer program|the chemical rodent killer|Rodenticide|other uses|Rat poison (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the computer program|the chemical rodent killer|Rodenticide|other uses|Rat poison (disambiguation)}}
{{lowercase|ratpoison}}
{{lowercase|ratpoison}}
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| website = {{url|http://www.nongnu.org/ratpoison/}}
| website = {{url|http://www.nongnu.org/ratpoison/}}
|released = {{release date and age|2000|12|04}}<ref>[http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/ratpoison.git/commit/?id=b639ebb16121bf299c8f3bf842cfaed162032d9e Earliest known release]</ref>}}
|released = {{release date and age|2000|12|04}}<ref>[http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/ratpoison.git/commit/?id=b639ebb16121bf299c8f3bf842cfaed162032d9e Earliest known release]</ref>}}
'''ratpoison''' is a [[tiling window manager]] for the [[X Window System]] primarily developed by Shawn Betts. The [[user interface]] and much of their functionality are inspired by the [[GNU Screen]] [[terminal multiplexer]].<ref name=Covey>{{Cite web| first = Jeff | last = Covey | date = 12 October 2002 | url = http://freecode.com/articles/the-antidesktop | website = [[Freecode]] | title = The Antidesktop | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160130212035/http://freecode.com/articles/the-antidesktop | archive-date = 30 January 2016 | url-status = dead}}.</ref> While ratpoison is written in [[C programming language|C]], Betts' [[StumpWM]] re-implements a similar window manager in [[Common Lisp]].
'''ratpoison''' is a [[tiling window manager]] for the [[X Window System]] primarily developed by Shawn Betts. The [[user interface]] and much of their functionality are inspired by the [[GNU Screen]] [[terminal multiplexer]].<ref name="Covey">{{Cite web |last=Covey |first=Jeff |date=2002-10-12 |title=The Antidesktop |url=http://freecode.com/articles/the-antidesktop |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130212035/http://freecode.com/articles/the-antidesktop |archive-date=2016-01-30 |website=FreeCode}}</ref> While ratpoison is written in [[C programming language|C]], Betts' [[StumpWM]] re-implements a similar window manager in [[Common Lisp]].


==Overview==
==Overview==


The name "ratpoison" reflects its major design goal: it lets the user manage application windows without using a [[computer mouse|mouse]].<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.nongnu.org/ratpoison/inspiration.html | contribution = SCWM, Pot and the GPL | first = Craig | last = Brozefsky | type = newsgroups | title = comp.os.linux.advocacy,gnu.misc.discuss | date = 1999-06-27 | quote=You need one that absolutely minimizes use of the rodent, and with scwm's synthetic events, awesome key binding supports and scripting, I have a setup which allows me to do everything without pushing about the cursed rolly thing.}}.</ref> Unlike other tiling window managers like [[Ion (window manager)|Ion]], ratpoison completely ignores the mouse (or "rat"),<ref name=Seebach>{{Citation | first = Peter | last = Seebach | date = 13 March 2006 | url = http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/web/library/wa-cranky62.html | contribution = The cranky user: Usability off the beaten path | publisher = IBM | title = developerWorks}}.</ref><ref name=pilgrim/> and avoids [[window decoration]]s as much as possible.<ref name=Proffitt>{{Citation | first = Brian | last = Proffitt | date = April 10, 2001 | url = http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/opinions/3215/2/ | contribution = The StartX Files: When the Mouse is An Anathema | title = LinuxPlanet}}.</ref> The default [[keybinding]]s are specifically designed to not conflict with [[Emacs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ratpoison.nongnu.org/|title=ratpoison}}</ref>
The name "ratpoison" reflects its major design goal: to let the user manage application windows without using a [[computer mouse|mouse]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Diener |first=Derrik |date=2014-10-23 |title=5 Great Tiling Window Managers for Linux |url=https://www.maketecheasier.com/tiling-window-managers-linux/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Make Tech Easier |language=en-US}}</ref> Unlike other tiling window managers like [[Ion (window manager)|Ion]], ratpoison completely ignores the mouse (or "rat"),<ref name="Seebach">{{Cite web |last=Seebach |first=Peter |date=2006-03-13 |title=The cranky user: Usability off the beaten path |url=http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/web/library/wa-cranky62.html |website=IBM developerWorks}}</ref>{{Permanent dead link|date=June 2024}}<ref name=pilgrim/> and avoids [[window decoration]]s as much as possible.<ref name="Proffitt">{{Cite web |last=Proffitt |first=Brian |date=2001-04-10 |title=The StartX Files: When the Mouse is An Anathema |url=http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/opinions/3215/2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604215747/http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/opinions/3215/2/ |archive-date=2011-06-04 |website=LinuxPlanet.com}}</ref> The default [[keybinding]]s are specifically designed to not conflict with [[Emacs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ratpoison: Say good-bye to the rodent |url=https://ratpoison.nongnu.org/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=ratpoison.nongnu.org}}</ref>

== Usage ==
ratpoison relies on key chords similar to Emacs to control window management, with all window interactions being done through shortcuts.<ref name=":0" /> Each window occupies an entire frame and cannot overlap. Windows can be split either horizontally or vertically. Multiple workspaces and session management are supported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fioretti |first=Marco |date=2011-07-03 |title=Best lightweight window managers for Linux |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/5-of-the-best-lightweight-window-managers-for-linux-972570 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref> An application menu can be used for navigation to programs. Configuration is controlled via a [[config file]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Graham |date=2011-01-30 |title=How to save your Linux screen space |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/how-to-save-your-linux-screen-space-923730 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Angad |date=2020-05-09 |title=Ratpoison: Forget About Your Mouse |url=https://dev.to/l04db4l4nc3r/ratpoison-forget-about-your-mouse-1391 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=DEV Community |language=en}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==


[[Mark Pilgrim (software developer)|Mark Pilgrim]], a frequent user, praised it for being "minimalist" and "configurable".<ref name="pilgrim">{{Citation | first = Mark | last = Pilgrim | date = 15 March 2007 | archive-date = 2011-07-18 | url = http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/03/15/good-easy-2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718035550/http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/03/15/good-easy-2007 | title = My Good Easy }}.</ref> Jeff Covey, in 2002, found it "lightning fast and perfectly stable".<ref name=Covey/> Peter Seebach remarked that "the convenience and performance are impressive; the learning curve, however, daunts many users."<ref name = Seebach /> Similarly, Brian Proffitt observes that "the key commands are well explained in this window manager's man pages, and whatever you do, read these first. The keyboard commands do make sense after some use but initially the learning curve is pretty steep."<ref name ="Proffitt"/> In the same vein, [[Bruce Byfield]] found it (and [[stumpwm]]) "virtually unusable until you read the documentation".<ref name=linux.com>{{Citation | author-link = Bruce Byfield | first = Bruce | last = Byfield | url = http://www.linux.com/articles/62218 | contribution = Keyboard-driven environments open a new window on the desktop | date = May 31, 2007 | title = Linux.com}}.</ref> Penguin Pete highlighted its suitability for Emacs users, calling it "not so much a window manager as a [[Emacs#General_architecture|frame]] manager," but found it difficult to work with [[GIMP]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://penguinpetes.com/XWM_Guide/index.php?mode=Ratpoison|title=Ratpoison - the rebel}}</ref>
[[Mark Pilgrim (software developer)|Mark Pilgrim]] praised it for being "minimalist" and "configurable."<ref name="pilgrim">{{Cite web |last=Pilgrim |first=Mark |date=2007-03-15 |title=My Good Easy |url=http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/03/15/good-easy-2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718035550/http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/03/15/good-easy-2007 |archive-date=2011-07-18 |website=diveintomark.com}}</ref> Jeff Covey, in 2002, found it was "lightning fast and perfectly stable."<ref name=Covey/> Peter Seebach remarked that "the convenience and performance are impressive; the learning curve, however, daunts many users."<ref name = Seebach /> Similarly, Brian Proffitt observes that "the key commands are well explained in this window manager's man pages, and whatever you do, read these first. The keyboard commands do make sense after some use but initially the learning curve is pretty steep."<ref name ="Proffitt"/> In the same vein, [[Bruce Byfield]] found it (and [[stumpwm]]) "virtually unusable until you read the documentation."<ref name="linux.com">{{Cite web |last=Byfield |first=Bruce |date=2007-05-31 |title=Keyboard-driven environments open a new window on the desktop |url=https://www.linux.com/articles/62218 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407150603/https://www.linux.com/articles/62218 |archive-date=2008-04-07 |website=[[Linux.com]]}}</ref> MakeTechEasier gave a positive review of ratpoison in 2013, although noting its steep learning curve.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Mayank |date=2013-11-12 |title=Salix Ratpoison - An Esoteric Distro For The Alpha Geeks |url=https://www.maketecheasier.com/salix-ratpoison-review/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Make Tech Easier |language=en-US}}</ref> Bryan Lunduke of [[NetworkWorld]] gave a negative review, criticizing the key bindings and the difficulty of working with multi-window programs such as [[GIMP]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunduke |first=Bryan |date=2014-09-09 |title=The Linux desktop-a-week review: ratpoison |url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/929246/the-linux-desktop-a-week-review-ratpoison.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Network World |language=en}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 17:17, 7 June 2024

This article is about the computer program. For the chemical rodent killer, see Rodenticide. For other uses, see Rat poison (disambiguation).
ratpoison
Developer(s)Shawn Betts
Initial releaseDecember 4, 2000; 24 years ago (2000-12-04)[1]
Repository
Written inC
TypeWindow manager
LicenseGPL-2.0-or-later
Websitewww.nongnu.org/ratpoison/

ratpoison is a tiling window manager for the X Window System primarily developed by Shawn Betts. The user interface and much of their functionality are inspired by the GNU Screen terminal multiplexer.[2] While ratpoison is written in C, Betts' StumpWM re-implements a similar window manager in Common Lisp.

Overview

The name "ratpoison" reflects its major design goal: to let the user manage application windows without using a mouse.[3] Unlike other tiling window managers like Ion, ratpoison completely ignores the mouse (or "rat"),[4][permanent dead link‍][5] and avoids window decorations as much as possible.[6] The default keybindings are specifically designed to not conflict with Emacs.[7]

Usage

ratpoison relies on key chords similar to Emacs to control window management, with all window interactions being done through shortcuts.[3] Each window occupies an entire frame and cannot overlap. Windows can be split either horizontally or vertically. Multiple workspaces and session management are supported.[8] An application menu can be used for navigation to programs. Configuration is controlled via a config file.[9][10]

Reception

Mark Pilgrim praised it for being "minimalist" and "configurable."[5] Jeff Covey, in 2002, found it was "lightning fast and perfectly stable."[2] Peter Seebach remarked that "the convenience and performance are impressive; the learning curve, however, daunts many users."[4] Similarly, Brian Proffitt observes that "the key commands are well explained in this window manager's man pages, and whatever you do, read these first. The keyboard commands do make sense after some use but initially the learning curve is pretty steep."[6] In the same vein, Bruce Byfield found it (and stumpwm) "virtually unusable until you read the documentation."[11] MakeTechEasier gave a positive review of ratpoison in 2013, although noting its steep learning curve.[12] Bryan Lunduke of NetworkWorld gave a negative review, criticizing the key bindings and the difficulty of working with multi-window programs such as GIMP.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ Earliest known release
  2. ^ a b Covey, Jeff (2002-10-12). "The Antidesktop". FreeCode. Archived from the original on 2016-01-30.
  3. ^ a b Diener, Derrik (2014-10-23). "5 Great Tiling Window Managers for Linux". Make Tech Easier. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  4. ^ a b Seebach, Peter (2006-03-13). "The cranky user: Usability off the beaten path". IBM developerWorks.
  5. ^ a b Pilgrim, Mark (2007-03-15). "My Good Easy". diveintomark.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18.
  6. ^ a b Proffitt, Brian (2001-04-10). "The StartX Files: When the Mouse is An Anathema". LinuxPlanet.com. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04.
  7. ^ "ratpoison: Say good-bye to the rodent". ratpoison.nongnu.org. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  8. ^ Fioretti, Marco (2011-07-03). "Best lightweight window managers for Linux". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  9. ^ Morrison, Graham (2011-01-30). "How to save your Linux screen space". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  10. ^ Sharma, Angad (2020-05-09). "Ratpoison: Forget About Your Mouse". DEV Community. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  11. ^ Byfield, Bruce (2007-05-31). "Keyboard-driven environments open a new window on the desktop". Linux.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-07.
  12. ^ Sharma, Mayank (2013-11-12). "Salix Ratpoison - An Esoteric Distro For The Alpha Geeks". Make Tech Easier. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  13. ^ Lunduke, Bryan (2014-09-09). "The Linux desktop-a-week review: ratpoison". Network World. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ratpoison.
Wikibooks has a book on the topic of: Using Ratpoison


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