Yalter has recently released version 0.1.10 of the composite server called niri. This server implements the mosaic method of layouts similar to the gnome broadcasting style of puperwm, where windows are grouped into an infinitely scrollable tape on the screen. When a new window is opened, the tape expands, but previously added windows do not change size. The project is built on the Wayland protocol but also allows running X11 applications using the XWayland DDX server. The code for this project is distributed under the GPLV3 license.
For users interested in trying out niri, packages are available for various systems including Fedora, Nixos, Arch Linux, and FreeBSD. One key difference between NIRI and PaperWM is the window binding to monitors, ensuring windows do not intersect with ribbons on other monitors, a limitation in PaperWM due to its binding to global window coordinates in GNOME Shell.
NIRI supports HiDPI and can function on systems with multiple GPUs, such as hybrid systems with both a discrete video card and built-in GPU. It also includes a built-in interface for screenshot creation and recording, featuring the ability to exclude individual windows with sensitive information from being recorded. Virtual desktops in NIRI are created dynamically and, akin to GNOME, are arranged vertically. Each monitor can display an independent set of virtual desktops.
Users can switch between desktops and windows using control gestures on the touchpad. When a monitor is turned off, the layout of virtual desktops is saved, and upon reactivation, it returns to its original state. Configuration is done through a file allowing adjustments to parameters like framework width, indentation, output modes, and windows. Changes made in the configuration file take effect automatically without the need to restart the composite server.