dmenu vs PStart
dmenu
tools.suckless.orgPStart
pegtop.netSide by side
| Figure | dmenu | PStart |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 8.7 (#5) | 7.3 (#26) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 8.6 (#7) | 7.3 (#28) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 8.6 (#7) | 7.3 (#28) |
| Purpose | dmenu is a dynamic menu for X that manages large numbers of user-defined menu items efficiently. | PStart is a tray tool for launching user-defined applications, including portable applications on USB keys and removable disks. |
| Support | The suckless community page identifies the dev mailing list as a place for dmenu users, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion. | The FAQ directs users whose questions are not answered to contact the maker. |
Plans
In their own words
dmenu
dmenu is a free dynamic menu for X that handles large sets of user-defined menu items and can launch commands. It runs on Linux and was originally designed for the dwm window manager. Community scripts apply it to tasks such as browsing directories, managing clipboard contents, accessing passwords, and controlling music; contributed modifications are available in a patches collection. The project provides a browsable source repository and a Git clone command. Building requires Xlib header files, and the README describes building and installing with `make clean install`, with files placed in the `/usr/local` namespace by default. The listed release is dmenu 5.4, dated 2025-08-09. Its source uses the MIT/X Consortium License, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale of copies subject to its conditions, while disclaiming warranties. The suckless dev mailing list is identified as a venue for user questions, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion.