Phoenix is an ambitious project that seeks to reinvent the X server by rewriting it from scratch using the Zig programming language. The primary goal of Phoenix is to modernize and simplify the X11 protocol without branching off from Xorg. This initiative focuses on implementing only the necessary X11 features that have been relevant in the last two decades, while also incorporating modern enhancements like HDR support, per-monitor DPI, and variable refresh rates.
Despite the recent popularity of using Rust for similar projects, Phoenix employs Zig due to its strong C interoperability and capabilities suited for low-level systems programming. The developers argue that many issues traditionally associated with X11 are largely due to Xorg’s implementation rather than the protocol itself. By leveraging Zig’s memory safety features, Phoenix aims to improve security with automatic protocol message parsing and application isolation by default.
In its current early stage of development, Phoenix primarily supports basic rendering for applications using GLX, EGL, or Vulkan when operating within an existing X server. The project emphasizes compatibility with modern hardware utilizing Linux DRM and Mesa GBM, aiming for lower latency than Xorg. Future plans also include developing Wayland compatibility.
By focusing on a cleaner, more maintainable codebase, Phoenix aspires to demonstrate that X11 can evolve into a platform suitable for contemporary computing needs, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a modern alternative to Xorg that retains the essence of X11.

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Phoenix is a new X server implementation written in Zig that aims to modernize X11 without forking from Xorg. It focuses on implementing only relevant X11 features from the last 20 years while adding modern capabilities like HDR support, per-monitor DPI, and variable refresh rates. The project leverages Zig's C interoperability and memory safety features to improve security through automatic protocol parsing and application isolation. Currently in early development, Phoenix supports basic rendering with GLX, EGL, and Vulkan, targets modern hardware with Linux DRM and Mesa GBM, and plans future Wayland compatibility.

Phoenix: A New X Server Rewritten in Zig for Modern Needs