GNU Project
Overview
The GNU Project is a free software, mass collaboration project, announced on 27 September 1983, by Richard Stallman. It initiated the development of the GNU operating system, a free software operating system. The original purpose of the GNU Project was to create a system compatible with UNIX, but with entirely free software.
History
The GNU Project was launched in 1983 by Richard Stallman, at the time a programmer at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. It was announced in September 1983 in a mailing to the net.unix-wizards and net.usoft newsgroups. The initial announcement explained the GNU philosophy and the nature of the GNU system.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the GNU Project was outlined in the "GNU Manifesto", which was written by Richard Stallman in March 1983, to ask for participation and support. In it, Stallman declared his intent to create a free operating system called GNU, which would be compatible with Unix.
Development
The development of the GNU operating system was initiated by Richard Stallman while he was working at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. It was called the GNU Project, and was publicly announced on 27 September 1983 on the net.unix-wizards and net.usoft newsgroups by Stallman.
Components
The GNU operating system is composed of many programs for which the source code is available under a free software license. These programs, and the system as a whole, are referred to as GNU packages. The packages include applications, libraries, tools, and system components.
Impact
The GNU Project has had a significant impact on the world of software. It has played a crucial role in the development of the free software movement, and the concept of copyleft, which is embodied in the GNU General Public License (GPL).