# GNU is not Unix (GNU) GNU (a recursive acronym for "GNU's Not Unix") is a free software project launched by [[Richard Stallman]] in 1983 to create a complete [[Unix]]-compatible operating system composed entirely of free software. The project produced essential components; compilers, editors, shells, utilities; that, combined with the [[Linux]] kernel in the early 1990s, formed what Stallman prefers to call "GNU/Linux." The GNU project pioneered the copyleft licensing model through the GPL, ensuring that derivative works remain free. While the GNU Hurd kernel (the project's own microkernel) never achieved widespread adoption, GNU's userland tools became the standard foundation for Linux distributions and are used by millions daily. ## Key GNU Software | Software | Description | |----------|-------------| | GCC | GNU Compiler Collection (C, C++, etc.) | | [[Bash]] | Bourne Again Shell, default on most Linux systems | | GNU Emacs | Extensible, customizable text editor | | GNU Coreutils | Basic Unix utilities (ls, cp, mv, etc.) | | GDB | GNU Debugger | | GNU Make | Build automation tool | | GIMP | GNU Image Manipulation Program | | glibc | GNU C Library | ## GNU vs Linux The "GNU/Linux" naming controversy reflects the system's dual heritage: - **GNU**: Provides userland (shell, utilities, libraries, compilers) - **Linux**: Provides the kernel (hardware abstraction, process management) Stallman argues "GNU/Linux" credits both projects fairly; most users simply say "Linux." ## The GNU Manifesto Published by Stallman in 1985, the GNU Manifesto outlined: - Why software should be free - How the GNU system would work - How free software development could be funded - Responses to common objections ## References - https://www.gnu.org - https://www.gnu.org/gnu/manifesto.html - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU ## Related - [[Richard Stallman]] - [[Free Software Foundation (FSF)]] - [[Linux]] - [[Bash]] - [[Brian Fox]] - [[Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)]] - [[Open Source]]