Section 1.1: Defining Your Objectives

Before diving in, it's crucial to clarify the goals of your distro. Are you designing it for a specific device, aiming for a lightweight system, or using it as a learning tool? This will shape your workflow, guiding decisions such as whether to use tiling or floating window managers, and whether to install applications from scratch or utilize those from a pre-existing desktop environment.

For instance, as a developer, I prioritize a setup that is both feature-rich and minimal. Instead of opting for lightweight options like Thunar or pcmanfm, which can be cumbersome, I prefer a more powerful file manager such as Nemo, which is utilized in Linux Mint.

Section 1.2: Choosing Your Base Distribution

Next, you must select a base distribution to benefit from its package management and repositories. Well-known options include Arch Linux and Debian. If you prefer starting from nearly nothing, consider minimalist options like BusyBox or Alpine Linux.

This choice significantly influences your system's characteristics, including update frequency, package selection, and overall stability. If you seek a cutting-edge experience, Arch is ideal. For more stable, point-release distributions, Debian may suit your needs. OpenSUSE Tumbleweed strikes a balance by offering a rolling release with stable packages.

Section 2.1: Developing Tools or Coding Your Interface

This is where the real fun begins—customizing your system to meet your needs. I experimented with dwm, a lightweight window manager that allows you to compile from the ground up using C. However, it’s worth noting that dwm can be challenging for beginners. For those new to tiling window managers, KDE with extensions or i3 (which uses simpler bash syntax) may be more approachable.

Additionally, I developed my own compositor to achieve impressive blur effects in window backgrounds and panels, utilizing a package called picom. Picom can be used with its default settings or extensively customized, and I opted for the latter option to enhance my setup.

Section 2.2: Understanding Wayland and X11

X11

The X Window System (X11) has stood the test of time, providing numerous benefits:

• Broad Compatibility: Nearly all software works seamlessly with X11.
• Established Ecosystem: A rich history of tools and configurations.
• Feature-Rich: Comprehensive functionalities, including screen sharing.

However, it does have drawbacks:

• Security Issues: Inherent vulnerabilities in its design.
• Performance Limitations: Higher latency and resource usage.
• Complexity: Troubleshooting can be difficult due to its intricate architecture.

Wayland

On the other hand, Wayland aims to address these limitations:

• Smoother User Experience: Lower latency and improved animations.
• Enhanced Security: A focus on secure design.
• Simplified Architecture: Easier maintenance and development.

Nonetheless, it has its own challenges:

• Limited Application Support: Not all applications are compatible yet.
• Evolving Ecosystem: Features like screen sharing are still in development.
• Compatibility Issues: Some hardware, particularly Nvidia, may encounter problems.