NETWMSTATE

NETWMSTATE is a property used in the Extended Window Manager Hints (EWMH) specification, which provides a standard way for applications to communicate with window managers on X11-based systems. Specifically, NETWMSTATE defines hints that allow applications to request certain window states from the window manager. These states can include things like being maximized, minimized, fullscreen, or sticky.

The NETWMSTATE property is typically set on the root window and contains a list of atoms. Each atom represents a specific state. For example, an atom named _NET_WM_STATE_MAXIMIZED_VERT signifies that the window should be vertically maximized, while _NET_WM_STATE_FULLSCREEN indicates the window should occupy the entire screen without borders or window decorations. Window managers read this property to understand the desired state of a window and act accordingly. Conversely, window managers might also set or unset these atoms to inform applications about the current state of a window, such as when a user manually maximizes or minimizes it. This mechanism allows for consistent behavior across different window managers and applications, enhancing user experience.