Windowstable

Windowstable is a term used in computer user interfaces to denote a property whereby the positions and sizes of application windows remain stable under typical user and system actions. In this sense, a windowstable layout resists frequent, abrupt changes during window creation, resizing, or content updates, reducing visual jitter and cognitive load for the user.

The concept is widely discussed in the context of tiling and dynamic window managers, where layout decisions can cause windows to rearrange themselves in response to new terminals, panels, or applications. Achieving window stability typically involves a combination of constraint-based layout and animation control: stabilizing moves are deferred or damped, window positions are snapped to defined coordinates or grids, and transitions are restricted to permitted states rather than arbitrary intermediate ones.

In practice, windowstable behavior is implemented through a state machine that governs allowed transitions, a constraint solver that preserves relative window order and alignment, and an update policy that avoids unnecessary repositioning during redraws. Some systems separate the logical layout from the rendering phase, applying stabilization only after the layout computation is complete.

Applications of the concept include desktop environments and tiling window managers that seek predictable window arrangements, improved keyboard navigation, and reduced motion during resolution changes. Limitations can include reduced dynamism in layouts or slower visual feedback in highly interactive scenarios.

Overall, windowstable describes a design goal focused on consistent, non-jittery window arrangements to improve usability and accessibility.