# Xorgproto

> Xorg protocol headers

**Wikidata**: [Q105659837](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105659837)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xorgproto

## Summary
Xorgproto is a collection of protocol headers for the X Window System, developed as part of The X.Org Project. It provides essential definitions and specifications for Xorg's communication protocols, enabling compatibility and interoperability between different Xorg components. Released in 2018, it is distributed under the Expat license and is available for various Unix-like operating systems, including BSD.

## Key Facts
- **Part of The X.Org Project**: Xorgproto is a component of the broader X.Org Foundation's efforts to maintain and develop the X Window System.
- **License**: Distributed under the Expat license, allowing free use, modification, and distribution.
- **Latest Version**: The most recent stable version is 2025.1, released on December 19, 2025.
- **Operating Systems**: Compatible with BSD and other Unix-like systems, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Gentoo.
- **Copyright Holder**: Apple Inc. holds the copyright for Xorgproto.
- **Source Code**: Available on GitLab at [https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/proto/xorgproto](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/proto/xorgproto).
- **Package Names**: Included in distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE under names such as `x11proto-dev` and `xorgproto`.
- **Inception**: First released in February 2018, reflecting the slowing development of the X.Org Server.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Xorgproto used for?
A: Xorgproto provides protocol headers for the X Window System, defining the communication standards between Xorg components. It ensures compatibility and interoperability across different Xorg implementations.

### Q: Who maintains Xorgproto?
A: Xorgproto is maintained as part of The X.Org Project, a collaborative effort led by the X.Org Foundation. Apple Inc. holds the copyright for the project.

### Q: Is Xorgproto free software?
A: Yes, Xorgproto is free software distributed under the Expat license, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: Which operating systems support Xorgproto?
A: Xorgproto is compatible with BSD and other Unix-like systems, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for Xorgproto?
A: The source code is available on GitLab at [https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/proto/xorgproto](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/proto/xorgproto).

## Why It Matters
Xorgproto plays a critical role in the X Window System by providing the foundational protocol headers that enable communication between Xorg components. Its development reflects the broader efforts of The X.Org Project to maintain and evolve the X Window System, which remains a cornerstone of Unix-like operating systems. By ensuring compatibility and interoperability, Xorgproto supports the seamless integration of graphical applications and hardware drivers, making it essential for users and developers alike. Its free software status aligns with the principles of open-source collaboration, fostering innovation and community-driven improvements.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Role**: Xorgproto defines the core protocols for the X Window System, ensuring compatibility across different Xorg implementations.
- **Open-Source Leadership**: Maintained by The X.Org Project, it reflects the collaborative efforts of the open-source community.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Available for BSD and various Unix-like systems, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE.
- **Apple Inc. Copyright**: Apple Inc. holds the copyright, indicating its significance in the broader technology landscape.
- **Active Development**: Regular updates, with the latest stable version (2025.1) released in December 2025, demonstrate ongoing maintenance and relevance.

## Body
### Overview
Xorgproto is a collection of protocol headers for the X Window System, developed as part of The X.Org Project. It serves as a critical component in the Xorg ecosystem, providing the necessary definitions and specifications for Xorg's communication protocols. The project was initiated in 2018, reflecting the slowing development of the X.Org Server and the need for standardized protocol headers.

### Development and Release
Xorgproto is distributed under the Expat license, which allows for free use, modification, and distribution. The latest stable version, 2025.1, was released on December 19, 2025. Previous versions include 2024.1 (March 26, 2024), 2023.2 (June 16, 2023), and 2023.1 (June 5, 2023). The project's source code is hosted on GitLab and is available for public access and contribution.

### Compatibility and Distribution
Xorgproto is compatible with BSD and other Unix-like operating systems, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE. It is packaged under various names, such as `x11proto-dev` in Ubuntu and Debian, and `xorgproto` in openSUSE. The project also includes specific packages for different Xorg protocols, such as `x11proto-core-dev` and `x11proto-dri3-dev`.

### Copyright and Maintenance
Apple Inc. holds the copyright for Xorgproto, indicating its significance in the broader technology landscape. The project is maintained by The X.Org Project, a collaborative effort led by the X.Org Foundation. This maintenance ensures that Xorgproto remains compatible with evolving Xorg components and hardware drivers.

### Impact and Relevance
Xorgproto's role in the X Window System is crucial, as it provides the foundational protocol headers that enable communication between Xorg components. Its development reflects the broader efforts of The X.Org Project to maintain and evolve the X Window System, which remains a cornerstone of Unix-like operating systems. By ensuring compatibility and interoperability, Xorgproto supports the seamless integration of graphical applications and hardware drivers, making it essential for users and developers alike. Its free software status aligns with the principles of open-source collaboration, fostering innovation and community-driven improvements.

## References

1. [Source](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/proto/xorgproto/-/blob/master/COPYING-applewmproto)
2. [xorgproto 2020.1. 2020](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2020-April/003042.html)
3. [xorgproto 2021.2. 2021](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2021-February/003072.html)
4. [xorgproto 2021.3. 2021](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2021-February/003073.html)
5. [xorgproto 2021.4](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2021-April/003085.html)
6. [[ANNOUNCE] xorgproto 2021.5](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2021-September/003108.html)
7. [[ANNOUNCE] xorgproto 2022.1](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2022-April/003160.html)
8. [[ANNOUNCE] xorgproto 2023.1](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2023-June/003404.html)
9. [Source](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2023-June/003408.html)
10. [Source](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2024-March/003495.html)
11. [[ANNOUNCE] xorgproto 2025.1. 2025](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2025-December/003649.html)
12. [Xorgproto Debuts, Reflecting X.Org Server Development Slowing Down. Phoronix. 2018](https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Xorgproto-Debut-Release)
13. [Source](https://guix.gnu.org/en/packages/xorgproto-2019.2/)