Re: [Qemu-devel] [PATCH] Add QEMU DirectFB display driver

[Anthony Liguori]

On 05/17/2010 05:26 PM, Alexander Graf wrote:
> I'm trying to think of a project where the clean separation between multiple 
> video outputs implemented in the backend and a separate frontend worked out. So 
> far the only case that has a strikingly similar architecture coming to my mind 
> is mplayer. And I wouldn't call mplayer's GUI story a huge success.
>
> In fact, couldn't we rather keep all graphic output out of qemu and just expose 
> VNC, possibly with self-made additions to the protocol to speed up local 
> rendering (thinking an SHM extension here)?

I think the whole reason this has failed is that if the GUI is a 
separate project, the path of least resistance is to use existing 
interfaces instead of inventing new ones.  That means these GUIs tend to 
be restricted by whatever management interface exists which isn't 
actually good enough.

You really need to have the GUI as part of the main project such that 
when it needs a new interface, it can be added very easily.

>   Then we could still offer a separate SDL based viewer that could do the same 
> things it does now. But we'd also open up the gate for a whole new integration 
> level with possible GUIs.
>    

You could, but I think it introduces more complexity which just is going 
to get in the way of building a good GUI.

Regards,

Anthony Liguori

> Alex
>
>