What’s the difference between window.get_maximized() and window.fullscreen in a GNOME Shell extension?

Desktop
1

I’m trying to understand the difference between a window being maximized and being fullscreen in a GNOME Shell extension.

For example:

  • What exactly does window.get_maximized() check?

  • What does window.fullscreen represent?

  • Can a window be maximized but not fullscreen, or fullscreen but not maximized?

  • When should I use each one if I want to detect whether a window is taking up the entire screen?

A simple example would also be helpful.

2

Maximized and fullscreen are different states.

A maximized window takes up the entire work area — that’s the monitor area minus “system chrome”, namely the top bar.

A fullscreen window takes up the entire monitor area, including the top bar.

Clients often treat fullscreen windows differently as well, and hide window decoration and controls — think of video players that show nothing but the video when covering the whole monitor.

3

In visual terms…

VLC playing “Big Buck Bunny”, maximized

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VLC playing “Big Buck Bunny”, fullscreened, with controls exposed

(VLC will normally fade away the controller at the bottom-center of the screen, unless the mouse is moved to make it appear.)

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