Bug 293476 - zen-browser new port release
Summary: zen-browser new port release
Status: New
Alias: None
Product: Ports & Packages
Classification: Unclassified
Component: Individual Port(s) (show other bugs)
Version: Latest
Hardware: Any Any
: --- Affects Only Me
Assignee: freebsd-ports-bugs (Nobody)
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2026-02-26 22:25 UTC by berke.nar
Modified: 2026-02-28 20:55 UTC (History)
2 users (show)

See Also:


Attachments
git diff generated for freebsd zen-browser port (68.67 KB, patch)
2026-02-26 22:25 UTC, berke.nar
no flags Details | Diff

Note You need to log in before you can comment on or make changes to this bug.
Description berke.nar 2026-02-26 22:25:32 UTC
Created attachment 268383 [details]
git diff generated for freebsd zen-browser port

Port for zen browser
Key Features:

- Privacy First: Telemetry disabled by default, enhanced tracking protection
- Performance: Optimized compilation with modern C++ toolchain and Rust
- Firefox Compatible: Uses the same Gecko engine for excellent web compatibility
- WebRTC Support: Full real-time communication support for video/audio
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD
- Active Development: Regular updates with latest security patches
Comment 1 Vladimir Druzenko freebsd_committer freebsd_triage 2026-02-26 23:42:59 UTC
We already have 3 Firefox forks in ports: Librewolf, Waterfox and Tor Browser.
Also Firefox and Firefox LTS.
Why do we need another Firefox fork?
Comment 2 berke.nar 2026-02-28 20:55:42 UTC
(In reply to Vladimir Druzenko from comment #1)
Zen has a distinct design philosophy aimed at being a calm, low‑distraction daily‑driver browser, not just another Firefox rebrand. Its defaults emphasize a “calmer internet” (UI layout, integrated tools, and sensible privacy settings) so users can work without constant visual noise or focus‑stealing behaviour from sites and widgets. Having it in ports serves FreeBSD users who want Firefox compatibility but prefer this opinionated, focus‑preserving experience out of the box, instead of assembling multiple extensions and custom tweaks themselves. In addition to this my aim while developing this port was to provide at much as possible native bsd build by forceing it to build with freebsd packages instead of the bundled libraries included to tarball which results in high count of patching and more likelihood to break. 

    Thank you for taking the time to review this submission and for all the work that goes into maintaining the ports tree. I’m optimistic that Zen can fill a useful niche for FreeBSD users, and I’d also be happy to adjust my experimenting on this port for other usage in porting in any case release of this port does not align with project's priorities.

Best regards,