linuxmint/cinnamon
FreeA Linux desktop featuring a traditional layout, built from modern technology and introducing brand new innovative features.
FreeFree tier
About linuxmint/cinnamon
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment developed by the Linux Mint team, offering a traditional user experience with advanced, innovative features. Its layout resembles GNOME 2, and it is built on technology forked from GNOME Shell. Cinnamon aims to provide an easy-to-use, comfortable desktop that feels familiar to users. The project is open source under the GNU General Public License v2 or later, and its source code is hosted on GitHub with over 5.5k stars and contributions in JavaScript, C, and Python.
Key Features
Traditional desktop layout similar to GNOME 2
Built on modern technology forked from GNOME Shell
Easy-to-use and comfortable user experience
Advanced innovative features
Open source (GPL-2.0 or later)
Actively maintained with regular releases
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Traditional, intuitive layout that feels familiar to GNOME 2 users
- Built with modern technology for performance and stability
- Strong community support via Linux Mint project
- Regular updates and active development
Cons
- May not appeal to users wanting a modern, flashy interface
- Relatively heavier than some minimal desktop environments
- Some features are forked from GNOME Shell, which may introduce dependency issues
Best For
Daily desktop computing for users preferring a classic interfaceLightweight alternative to more resource-heavy desktop environmentsCustomizable Linux environment for developers and power users
FAQ
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment developed by the Linux Mint team, featuring a traditional layout similar to GNOME 2 and built on modern technology forked from GNOME Shell.
What license is Cinnamon under?
Cinnamon is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later (GPL-2.0).
How can I contribute to Cinnamon?
Contributions are welcome via the GitHub repository at https://github.com/linuxmint/cinnamon. The project also provides a list of related components at https://projects.linuxmint.com/cinnamon/.