xcffib

xcffib is a Python library that provides bindings to the X Window System by using the XCB (X C Binding) protocol through the CFFI (C Foreign Function Interface). It lets Python programs construct and send X protocol requests, receive replies and events, and manage X11 resources with a design that mirrors XCB rather than the older Xlib interface.

The project revolves around generating Python bindings from the XCB protocol descriptions. A protocol generator reads the XML descriptions used by XCB and outputs Python modules that expose requests, events, and errors. The generated code works in concert with the CFFI interfaces to the XCB C library, enabling relatively fast, low-overhead access to the X11 protocol in Python.

Compared to older Python bindings, xcffib emphasizes a closer alignment with XCB semantics and aims for lower overhead. It typically requires the XCB development libraries and the related protocol descriptions to be available for building bindings, with installation bringing in pre-generated Python modules in standard distributions. The library is suitable for Python applications that need direct X11 client capabilities and a more faithful XCB experience, such as lightweight window managers, compositors, or tools that rely on XCB features.

Status and licensing are project-dependent and may evolve over time. Users should consult the official repository or distribution pages for the current license, compatibility notes with X servers, and up-to-date installation instructions.