A major project within the free software movement that focuses on providing free and open-source software. It was launched in 1983 by Richard Stallman to create an entirely free and compatible operating system with Unix, emphasizing software freedom for users. Here are some key aspects of GNU:
- Philosophy: GNU promotes the idea that users should be free to run, modify, and share software. It encourages an ethical approach to software, where programs are accessible to everyone and can be freely changed to meet their needs.
- GNU Software Collection: The GNU project has developed various tools and programs, including compilers, text editors, libraries, development tools, and utilities, to create a fully free operating system. It contributed many components for the Linux operating system, often called GNU/Linux due to its reliance on GNU software.
- GNU General Public License (GPL): One of the GNU project’s most significant contributions is the GPL, a widely used free software license that ensures users can freely use, modify, and redistribute software while maintaining these freedoms in derivative works.
- Popular GNU Programs: GNU has produced several well-known tools, such as GNU Bash (a widely used Unix shell), GNU Emacs (a customizable text editor), and the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) (which supports multiple programming languages).
The GNU project is foundational to the free software movement and has played a crucial role in developing free software, helping build a culture of collaboration and openness in the software community.
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