I'm curious about Desktop Environments (DE). I get that they shape how our desktops look with icons and menus, but is that all they do? Do they come with any apps or software, or are they just the graphical interface? Are there DEs that aren't compatible with certain distributions? Can you switch between multiple DEs easily? Anything else I should know about them? Thanks!
6 Answers
When we talk about a Desktop Environment, we’re including everything that has a UI. If you want a better understanding, try using a window manager like I3 or Sway instead. It'll come with just the basics, so you'll start to see what's missing from the DE experience. If you're not up for that level of customization, just know that a DE is more about the graphical components and tools than the backend terminal.
Most applications tied to a desktop aren't strictly a part of the DE but are rather part of a larger meta package. You can usually install other DEs, but it's important to understand the distinction between a core DE and these packages before diving in, as noted by other users here.
To really grasp how DEs work, consider trying out a headless system. It might not be your main setup, but you'll see how much you can accomplish without a graphical interface. A lot of GUI applications do their work behind the scenes and can be accessed via the command line, except for those that absolutely need a display.
Desktop Environments usually come with additional software. However, some distributions may choose to include specific apps with certain DEs right out of the box. For instance, Linux Mint with XFCE includes more built-in software than Debian's version. As for compatibility, you can typically find a DE that works with almost any distro, and while you can switch between multiple DEs, it’s not the best practice to install many on one operating system due to reliability considerations.
It's usually not the best idea to have more than one DE installed because it can lead to tricky and complicated issues. Desktop Environments are essentially bundled sets of programs that provide a graphical interface for using your PC, so they go beyond just appearances.
You can install multiple DEs, but keep in mind that you might end up with duplicate applications like different default text editors or terminals from each DE. Personally, I use XFCE as my main DE but have MATE installed as a backup just in case.
Yeah, that's a good point! What you mentioned mainly relates to the overall package rather than a core desktop component.