Cawbird is a custom Twitter/X client that can run on Linux. This basically allows you to experience Twitter/X via a software client instead of a web service, hence reducing the related bloatware. Furthermore, you can run Cawbird on almost any Linux distro, making it far more versatile. When it comes to installing Cawbird on Linux, many think that it might be full of technicalities. On the contrary, it is a far simpler process. The app is available in both official and third-party package managers and can also be built from source. Thus, follow the guide to install Cawbird on Linux and its various distros.
What Is Cawbird?
Cawbird is a modern Twitter/X client, a desktop-based native application made specifically for Linux systems. It is based on the GTK framework and is basically a fork of the previously discontinued Corebird client. Hence, when you run Cawbird, you can expect a clean and intuitive user interface that integrates well within the Linux environment. Thus, you can enjoy a fully-featured Twitter/X experience from the comfort of your desktop without any need for a web browser.
On Cawbird, you can do everything that you’d been able to do on a browser-based Twitter. This includes creating posts, following people, posting tweets, and viewing media. You can also manage multiple accounts at the same time, using the app. Furthermore. You get access to advanced features like content filtering, custom notifications, scheduled tweets and so much more.
Cawbird is especially attractive for Linux users because of its efficient resource usage and the native experience it brings when compared to using Twitter on a web browser. Also, you get much better control over your data, hence ensuring privacy. Although Cawbird is an exceptional application, it relies on Twitter’s API and policies, so any significant changes can severely impact its abilities, which users have to keep in mind.
Build Dependencies
When it comes to building Cawbird on a system, you will require the following dependencies:
- Gtk v.3.22+
- Glib v.2.44+
- Json-glib v.1.0
- sqlite3
- Libsoup v.2.4
- Librest v.0.7
- liboauth
- gettext v.0.19.7+
- vala v.0.28
- meson
- Gst-plugins-base v.1.0
- Gst-plugins-bad v.1.6+
- Gst-plugins-good v.1.0
- gstreamer1.0-gtk (For Ubuntu)
- gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free-gtk (For Older Fedora)
- Gstreamer1-plugins-good-gtk (For Newer Fedora)
- gst-libav-1.0
- Gspell v.1.2
How To Install Cawbird On Linux?
You can easily install Cawbird on Linux, using the native package managers. But, if your distro doesn’t have it, you can try Flatpak or Snap (third-party, universal package repositories). Otherwise, there is always the option of building the app from source. However, we do not recommend this method for beginners.
Thus, pick a suitable method from the list below and follow the steps as shown to successfully install Cawbird on your favorite Linux distro.
Method 1. Compile Cawbird From Source
You can build Cawbird from source by simply following the steps below. But before that, take note:
Cawbird requires keys and secrets so that Twitter can pass the OAuth process. Although it has a standard set available, you can always use custom keys through schema settings. For convenience, you can do the following:
a) per-user tokens and secrets (supports multiple user accounts)
b) Configure the default token and secret during the build
There are two ways to build Cawbird. The first one uses Meson, which is basically an automated build process. All you need to do is run the following command in the terminal:
meson build -Dconsumer_key_base64=<your-base64-key> -Dconsumer_secret_base64=<your-base64-secret>
ninja -C buildThis will automatically build the required dependencies and compile the app. However, you can always build it manually:
Manual Build
Step 1. First, install the required dependencies on your system:
On Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install meson valac libgee-0.8-dev libglib2.0-dev libgtk-3-dev libgranite-dev librest-dev libjson-glib-dev libnotify-dev libsqlite3-dev libsoup2.4-dev libwebkit2gtk-4.0-devFor Fedora
sudo dnf install meson vala libgee-devel glib2-devel gtk3-devel granite-devel rest-devel json-glib-devel libnotify-devel sqlite-devel libsoup-devel webkit2gtk3-develOn Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S meson vala libgee glib2 gtk3 granite rest json-glib libnotify sqlite libsoup webkit2gtkStep 2. Now, clone the Cawbird repository from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/IBBoard/cawbird.git
cd cawbirdStep 3. Finally, compile and install Cawbird:
meson build --prefix=/usr
cd build
ninja
sudo ninja installStep 4. Check Cawbird by running the following command:
cawbirdMethod 2. Using Flatpak To Install Cawbird On Linux
Step 1. Start by installing Flatpak:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install flatpakFedora
sudo dnf install flatpakArch Linux
sudo pacman -S flatpakOpenSUSE
sudo zypper install flatpakStep 2. Now, add the Flathub repository which is required to fetch Cawbird:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 3. Lastly, install Cawbird:
flatpak install flathub co.ibboard.cawbirdMethod 3. Install Cawbird Using Snap
Step 1. First, install Snap:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install snapdFedora
sudo dnf install snapdArch Linux
sudo pacman -S snapdStep 2. Now, install Cawbird via Snap:
sudo snap install cawbirdMethod 4. Install Cawbird On Linux Using Native Package Managers
Use the official package managers on your Linux to install Cawbird by simply using the following command:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cawbird/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install cawbirdFedora
sudo dnf install cawbirdGentoo
emerge net-im/cawbirdGuix
guix install cawbirdNixOS
nix-shell -p cawbirdOr,
nix-env -iA cawbirdSolus
sudo eopkg it cawbirdArch Linux
pacman -Syu cawbirdVia AUR Helper
pacman -S yay
yay -S cawbirdLinux Mint
sudo apt update
sudo apt install cawbirdAlpine Linux
sudo apk add cawbird