In September I will be 60 years old and have been an Archlinux user for nearer 20 years, ten of those years running ArchBang. Have created this post more as a way to ask for help and to promote the idea of change. Personally not used Openbox for many years, much prefer i3/sway as my daily tiling window manager. Want to know if a Sway version of ArchBang would be of interest? Should I just create a new live distro? Do I need to have a more fancy installer?
Or as I have been thinking lately, retire from ArchBang and simply update as and when?
Rest of this post is some information about ArchBang project its past, present and possible future. I admire the work of EndeavourOs but it has many developers an active community not too mention a super awesome installer!
My heart has always been in the project and I do enjoy working on it but feel holding back change is never a good thing.
Before anyone asks I will not be doing a Hyprland version, far too much candy for me 😉
ArchBang, a lightweight and user-friendly distribution based on Arch Linux, has been a beloved choice for many users who appreciate the power of Arch but desire a simpler setup process. Known for its minimalistic Openbox window manager, ArchBang has carved a niche for itself among those who value speed, simplicity, and control over their computing environment. As with any open-source project, its state and future trajectory are shaped by the contributions and interests of its community and developers.
Current State
As of mid-2024, ArchBang continues to maintain its reputation for delivering a streamlined Arch Linux experience. The project has been consistent in rolling out updates that align with Arch’s cutting-edge philosophy, ensuring users always have access to the latest software. The simplicity of its installation process, combined with the robustness of Arch, makes it an appealing choice for both new and experienced Linux users.
Community engagement remains a crucial aspect of ArchBang’s development. Regular feedback from users ensures that the distribution remains responsive to the needs of its audience, driving the development of new features and improvements.
Challenges
However, the project faces several challenges. One significant issue is that the project is primarily maintained by a single developer. While this individual has managed to keep the project afloat admirably, the reliance on one person can pose sustainability risks. Furthermore, as with any rolling release distribution, there is always the challenge of ensuring stability amidst constant updates. The balance between providing the latest features and maintaining a stable user experience is delicate and requires careful management.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the future of ArchBang seems promising yet uncertain. For continued success, the project will likely need to expand its base of contributors. Encouraging more community involvement, whether through code contributions, documentation, or financial support, will be essential. Unfortunately, the past year has seen a lack of funding, which has hindered some development efforts and posed additional challenges for the project’s sustainability. Initiatives like mentorship programs for new contributors or fundraising campaigns could provide much-needed resources.
Moreover, there is potential for ArchBang to explore new avenues. For instance, enhancing the customization options during installation could attract a broader audience. Integrating more user-friendly tools and interfaces without compromising the minimalist ethos could also make ArchBang more accessible to beginners.
Conclusion
How You Can Help
If you believe in the mission of ArchBang and want to support its continued development, consider contributing in any of the following ways:
Financial Support: Donations are crucial to help cover hosting costs, development tools, and other expenses. Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Code Contributions: If you’re a developer, your skills can help improve and expand ArchBang. Check out our repository for issues and features that need attention.
Documentation and Support: Writing guides, creating tutorials, and providing user support are valuable ways to contribute, especially for those who might not code but still want to help.
Spread the Word: Share ArchBang with others who might benefit from it. The more users we have, the more feedback and contributions we can receive.
ArchBang stands as a testament to what a passionate individual can achieve with open-source software. Its commitment to providing a lightweight, customizable, and up-to-date Linux experience continues to draw users who appreciate its unique blend of simplicity and power. While challenges remain, the dedication of its sole developer keeps the project moving forward. With strategic planning, increased community engagement, and addressing the funding challenges, ArchBang can look forward to a future that builds on its solid foundation and continues to innovate in the Linux ecosystem.
If you would like to donate, please visit this page
Thank you for your support!