xcb-util ☆

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Description:
Additional extensions to the XCB library

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: xcb x11 x-window-system graphics library development

Install: brew install xcb-util

About:
XcbUtil is a collection of modular extensions and convenience libraries built on top of the core XCB (X protocol C-language Binding) library. It provides higher-level abstractions for common tasks like handling keyboard input, managing window properties, and interacting with the window manager. This tool simplifies X11 client development by offering utilities that are not included in the base XCB protocol bindings.

Key Features:

Modular library design for selective integration
Provides utilities for key symbols, atom management, and window properties
Offers a higher-level API compared to raw XCB
Designed for performance and minimal overhead

Use Cases:

Developing lightweight X11 window managers or compositors
Building custom desktop utilities that require direct X server interaction
Porting legacy Xlib applications to the more modern XCB architecture

Alternatives:

Xlib – Xlib is the older, synchronous X11 client library, whereas XcbUtil complements the asynchronous, lower-level XCB for modern development.
libX11 – Provides a broader, monolithic API, while XcbUtil offers modular extensions specifically for the XCB ecosystem.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 10, 2025 10:30pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	ca04eec6
Nov 20, 2024 12:26am		0	VERSION_BUMP	7e2e13fd