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i3 (Window Manager)

Every desktop environment relies on a window manager to arrange windows on the screen. On PIE, the available window manager is called i3. It stands out as a tiling window manager, meaning it autonomously arranges windows to avoid overlapping.

The advantage of a tiling window manager is to free the user from the tedious task of window management, thereby enhancing efficiency. This is particularly well-suited for programming, an activity that requires having code and documentation visible at all times.

Useful shortcuts​

The window management tasks can be accomplished using keyboard shortcuts. Below is a quick reference guide for common shortcuts. The Mod key corresponds to Alt or Windows, depending on the choice made during the initial session startup. This preference can be modified in the i3 configuration file.

  • Mod + ⇧ + E: Quits i3 and returns to login screen (after confirmation)
  • Mod + Enter: Opens a terminal
  • Mod + ⇧ + Q: Closes a window
  • Mod + ⇧ + ( ↑ ↓ ← → ): Moves a window in one direction (when more than one is open)
  • Mod + D: Opens dmenu to run an application

Workspaces​

i3 offers the option of distributing windows over workspaces. Workspaces are numbered from 1 to 10, so by default you're on workspace 1. You can move to workspace 2, for example, by using the shortcut Mod + 2. Use the number keys in the top row, not those on the numeric keypad. Workspace number 10 corresponds to key 0 on the keyboard.

You can also move windows from one workspace to another. With the focus on a window on workspace 1 that you want to move to workspace 2, use the shortcut Mod + ⇧ + 2.

The numbers of workspaces with open applications are displayed at the bottom left of the screen, with the one you're currently using shown in light blue.

Screen Locker​

It may happen that you need to leave your workstation for a short while you're working on it. If you leave your session accessible to anyone, you give that person access to all your accounts and personal information. You also put yourself at the mercy of a confloose, i.e. a series of configurations specifically designed to maximize discomfort when using your machine. Worse still, you're also exposing yourself to responsibility for any illegal acts committed from your session. To avoid having to log out and log back in every time you leave your computer, you can use a screen locker. The screen locker available on PIE is called i3lock.

To lock your session:

  1. Press Mod + D to open dmenu
  2. Type i3lock, then press enter
  3. Your session is locked

To unlock your session:

  1. Type your password
  2. Press Enter
danger

At EPITA, it is forbidden to leave a session locked for more than one hour.