Difference between Cinnamon and MATE

A desktop environment is a desktop model implementation. It is made up of programs that operate on an OS, and it also shares a common graphical user interface. Cinnamon and MATE are two examples of main desktop environments.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Cinnamon and MATE. But before discussing the differences, you must know about Cinnamon and Mate.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is the main desktop environment included with the Linux Mint distro, and it's also offered as an additional desktop for other Linux distros and UNIX-like OS. Cinnamon is also available in the Linux Mint 12 repositories, and it is also available for Ubuntu, Debian, FreeBSD, Fedora, Arch Linux, and other operating systems.

Cinnamon has several features, like transition effects, animations, and transparency. The panels often include a main menu, a window list, launchers, and many more. Furthermore, the system tray can be positioned on the screen's left, right, upper, or lower edges. The settings editor allows for simple customization and you to customize the panel, desktop effects, themes, applets, calendar, and many more. Additionally, it includes various applets and extensions. Applets are icons or text that shows on the panel. Cinnamon's functionality may also be altered through extensions. Furthermore, developers may upload themes, applets, and extensions to Cinnamon's website for users to download and rate.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cinnamon Desktop Environment

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the cinnamon desktop environment. Some advantages and disadvantages of the cinnamon desktop environment are as follows:

Advantages

1. Extensibility
   Cinnamon may be customized using themes, applets, and plugins. Themes can change the appearance of several components of Cinnamon, such as the menu, panel, calendar, and run dialogue. Applets are small images or text that shows on the panel. Developers are free to design their own applets in addition to the five included by default. There is a guide for making simple applets accessible. Cinnamon's functionality can be altered through extensions. Developers can publish their themes, applets, and extensions on Cinnamon's website, where users can download and rate them.
2. Adaption
   Cinnamon is accessible in the Linux Mint 12 repository and is featured in all Linux Mint OS versions 13 and higher as one of four desktop environment options, along with MATE. It is also an optional UI in the respin of Linux Mint Debian Edition Update Pack 4.
3. Interface
   Cinnamon features a crisp, clean appearance with easy-to-read fonts and color combinations. The desktop is free of extra clutter, and you can customize which icons appear on it using the System Settings => Desktop menu. You can also choose whether the desktop icons are displayed only on the main monitor, secondary monitors, or on all monitors.
4. Speed
   Cinnamon is quick and agile. Programs display and load quickly. Although this is simply my personal experience and not based on any timed testing, the desktop itself boots rapidly during login.
5. Flexibility
   You can access a lovely pop-up menu on the Cinnamon desktop with a right-click. This menu contains options for often used actions, including accessing Desktop Settings and adding Desklets, and other desktop-related operations.
6. Touchpad Settings
   Cinnamon users now have full access to their laptop's touchpad, which wasn't previously possible, thanks to changes made to the touchpad settings. The photo frame also has a fixed centre click function.

Disadvantages

1. Beginners have no idea about the installation of software. If users want to use some required files, they may install them.
2. Typically, commercial software vendors don't create their software for Linux use.
3. Some configuration modifications must be made as the Root User, and using the sudo command gives you indirect access to the Root account.

What is MATE?

MATE is a free, open-source desktop environment that operates on Linux and most BSD-based OS. MATE has various apps that were initially developed as GNOME Core applications. In addition, developers have created a few programs from scratch.

The MATE desktop was founded by an Argentine Arch Linux user who forked GNOME 2. It is under active development. The goal is to keep the GNOME 2 code base, frameworks, and key applications to provide classic metaphors to Linux users. It fully integrates the GTK+ 3 frameworks. Linux Mint is also an official supporter of the MATE desktop, and MATE has been a member of the Linux Mint family since version 12.

Usually, the MATE application contains a file manager, archive manager, menu item editor, terminal emulator, text editor, document viewer, window manager, and many more. Mate also completely supports the GTE+3 application architecture.

Advantages and Disadvantages of MATE Desktop Environment

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the MATE desktop environment. Some advantages and disadvantages of the MATE desktop environment are as follows:

Advantages

1. It is a free and lightweight desktop environment.
2. It offers customization potential.

Disadvantages

1. Its traditional looks may provide you with a dated feel.

Key differences between Cinnamon and MATE

Here, you will learn about the various key differences between Cinnamon and MATE. Some main differences between Cinnamon and MATE are as follows:

1. Cinnamon is a free and open-source X Window System desktop environment that is based on GNOME 3. On the other hand, Mate is a free and open-source desktop environment that operates on Linux and most BSD UNIX OS.
2. Cinnamon license is GPL v2. On the other hand, the Mate license is GNU v2, GNU LGPL v2.
3. One of the most crucial pieces of software for desktop systems worldwide is the file manager. Nemo is a file manager available in Linux Mint Cinnamon. It is a small, straightforward file manager that is strong enough to handle malicious file management chores. It is the Nautilus file manager's fork. On the other hand, Caja is the file manager in Linux Mint MATE, with several complex options.
4. Xviewer is the default image viewer in both Linux Mint Cinnamon and MATE. It's a fantastic software application built on GNOME's Eye.
5. Cinnamon is developed by the Linux Mint Team. On the other hand, Mate is developed by Stefano Karapetsas.
6. Cinnamon is used for Unix-like with X OS. On the other hand, Mate is used for UNIX-like with X11 (X Window System).
7. Cinnamon is written in C, JavaScript, and Python programming languages. On the other hand, Mate is written in C, C++, and Python programming languages.
8. Cinnamon uses the new GNOME 3 desktop environment. On the other hand, MATE uses GNOME 2.

Head-to-head comparison between the Cinnamon and MATE

The operating system has various head-to-head comparisons between Cinnamon and MATE. Some comparisons between Cinnamon and MATE are as follows:

Conclusion

In summary, Cinnamon is the best choice if you wish to work with modern and minimalist design elements. Additionally, it comes with a Windows-like style by default, which may be comfortable and simple for many users to operate. On the other hand, if your hardware is old and underpowered, utilizing MATE might be a better option for you.