Discovering the Power of i3WM on macOS

As a long-time user of Linux, I've recently found myself drawn back to the world of open-source operating systems. After spending almost ten years using various flavors of Linux, including Lubuntu, which provided a familiar environment reminiscent of Windows XP, I decided to try something new: running i3wm on my Mac.

At first, I was skeptical about installing and removing packages with brew, macOS's default package manager. However, once I got accustomed to the process, I found myself enjoying the freedom to quickly switch between environments without relying on tools like Docker. The ability to create VMs in seconds using Firecracker or QEMU has also been a game-changer for me.

In my previous role at Atlassian, I used Linux as my primary operating system, and while I still have to use it for work, I've recently built a powerful PC and started running Linux as my daily driver. The experience has been overwhelmingly positive, with the increased speed and stability of my machine making a significant difference in my productivity.

That being said, I do miss certain aspects of macOS. The retina screen, font rendering, portability, and overall look and feel of the applications are all major advantages that Linux can't quite match yet. However, after spending almost five years using macOS, I've returned to the world of Linux and i3wm, and I'm excited to share my experiences with this community.

In conclusion, while macOS has its strengths, the power and flexibility of i3wm on Linux have won me over. With the ability to quickly switch between environments and create VMs in seconds, I feel more in control than ever before. And who knows? You might just find yourself joining me on this journey back to the world of open-source operating systems.

Macos i3wm