Ubuntu and the Journey from GNOME to MATE and Unity

Ubuntu, one of the most popular open-source Linux distributions, has evolved significantly over the years in terms of its supported desktop environments. Starting from GNOME 2, the primary desktop environment, Ubuntu made a notable switch. This article reviews the timeline and significance of these changes, from the initial adoption of GNOME 2, through the introduction of GNOME 3, and finally, the transition to Unity and its eventual return to GNOME.

GNOME 2: The Original Desktop Environment

The developers of Ubuntu initially focused on GNOME 2, which offered a traditional interface with multiple panels, a top-menu bar, and distinct workspaces. GNOME 2 was well-received and widely used, providing a comfortable and familiar experience to both new and experienced users.

The Controversial Introduction of GNOME 3

In 2008, the GNOME team released GNOME 3, which introduced a significant overhaul of the desktop environment. GNOME 3 implemented a more minimalist and work-centric approach, including full-screen applications and a different interface layout. This change faced harsh criticism, with many long-time GNOME users expressing dissatisfaction.

The controversy led to the forking of GNOME 2 into MATE, a community-maintained version that continues to be developed and used today. MATE retains the traditional GNOME 2 design and is a testament to the enduring appeal of its user-friendly interface.

From GNOME 3 to Unity: A New Approach

Following the release of GNOME 3, the Ubuntu developers, led by Canonical, recognized the need for a more unified and consistent desktop experience. In April 2011, Ubuntu released Unity, a new desktop environment designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of users, including those on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

The original vision of Unity was to create a universal desktop environment that could run on various hardware, providing a seamless and functional interface. However, this goal proved challenging. Unity's intricate design and steep learning curve made it difficult for some users, particularly those transitioning from GNOME 2.

Unity’s Demise and Return to GNOME

Canonical eventually abandoned the development of Unity in 2017, citing the difficulty in achieving its initial goals and the need for a more streamlined user experience. In its place, Canonical developed a modified version of GNOME Shell, which aimed to capture the essence of the Unity desktop while maintaining a more user-friendly design. This new version was introduced with Ubuntu 17.04 and has remained the default desktop environment since then.

Unity 7 and a Young Developer's Triumph

A remarkable young Indian individual, Rudra B. Saraswat, secured the responsibility for Unity 7 at the age of ten. Rudra, who was a Linux Foundation Certified Developer and an Ubuntu team member, successfully secured this position. He went on to release Unity 7 as an alternate version of Ubuntu in 2020, demonstrating the vibrant and passionate community around the Ubuntu project.

Unity 7 became a fully approved flavor with the release of Ubuntu 22.10, further cementing Unity's place in the history of Ubuntu's desktop environment options.

Keywords: Ubuntu, GNOME, Unity, MATE