The X Window System, often wrongly referred to as X-windows, has been a crucial component in the world of computers and coding for the past 40 years. Developed by Robert W. Scheifler and Jim Gettys at MIT in the early 1980s, X was initially created as a window system for the VS100 as part of Project Athena’s efforts to establish campus-wide computing with distributed resources. As a cross-platform and vendor-independent system, X quickly gained popularity among various institutions, including Princeton University’s astrophysics department.
One of the professors at Princeton, Robert Lupton, played a key role in working with X during its early days. As a member of the AstroPhysical Sciences Department, Lupton was responsible for writing X11 code, which eventually became the standard version of X. His experience with X included dealing with graphics code, creating displays, and troubleshooting issues for his colleagues. Lupton’s expertise in X led him to create a comprehensive guide titled “An Introduction to the X Window System,” which provided valuable insights into the system’s functionality and usage.
In his guide, Lupton emphasized the importance of modifier keys in X, the proper way to start X using the xinit command, and the significance of the window manager in managing X applications. He also shared tips on avoiding common pitfalls, such as preventing a mouse from disappearing into an unseen screen and using the correct command to kill processes without causing system confusion. Lupton’s practical advice and hands-on experience with X showcased the system’s versatility and adaptability to different computing environments.
When asked about the enduring relevance of X after 40 years, Lupton reflected on its success relative to other window systems available at the time. Despite some network traffic issues and limited GUI expectations in the early days, X stood out as the most portable and reliable option for running applications on both VAX and Sun Microsystems platforms. Lupton credited X’s longevity to its functionality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware configurations, making it a preferred choice for researchers and developers alike.
As technology continues to evolve, the legacy of the X Window System serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of early innovations in computing. The system’s ability to provide a flexible and efficient windowing environment has paved the way for modern graphical interfaces and interactive applications, shaping the way we interact with computers and software today. Despite its age, X remains a foundational component in the history of computing, highlighting the importance of adaptability, compatibility, and user-centric design in software development.
