# Autoproject

> script to start a programming project using autoconf, automake, and optionally a command line parser generator

**Wikidata**: [Q116141938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116141938)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/autoproject

## Summary
Autoproject is a free software script developed by James R. Van Zandt in 1999 to simplify the creation of programming projects using Autoconf and Automake, with optional support for command-line parser generators. It automates project setup, making it easier for developers to initialize new projects with standardized build systems.

## Key Facts
- **Creator**: James R. Van Zandt, a computer scientist.
- **Inception**: 1999.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Operating System**: BSD and Unix-like systems.
- **Use**: Programming tool for project initialization.
- **Maintained by**: James R. Van Zandt.
- **Package Availability**: Available in Gentoo (dev-util/autoproject) and Ubuntu (autoproject).
- **Source Code**: Hosted on Debian Salsa repository.
- **Manual Page**: autoproject.1.
- **Debian Package**: autoproject (stable version).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Autoproject used for?
A: Autoproject is a script that automates the setup of programming projects, integrating Autoconf and Automake, and optionally supporting command-line parser generators.

### Q: Who developed Autoproject?
A: Autoproject was developed by James R. Van Zandt, a computer scientist, in 1999.

### Q: Is Autoproject free software?
A: Yes, Autoproject is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, making it free software.

### Q: On which operating systems can Autoproject run?
A: Autoproject is compatible with BSD and Unix-like operating systems.

### Q: How can I install Autoproject?
A: Autoproject is available as a package in Gentoo (dev-util/autoproject) and Ubuntu (autoproject), and its source code can be obtained from the Debian Salsa repository.

## Why It Matters
Autoproject addresses the need for standardized project initialization in the Unix/Linux development ecosystem. By automating the setup of build systems using Autoconf and Automake, it reduces the complexity and time required for developers to start new projects. Its integration with command-line parser generators further enhances its utility, making it a valuable tool for developers working on free software projects. The tool's availability in major Linux distributions and its adherence to free software principles ensure its relevance and accessibility to the developer community.

## Notable For
- **Automation**: Simplifies the setup of programming projects with standardized build systems.
- **Free Software**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, ensuring its availability and modifiability.
- **Cross-Platform**: Works on BSD and Unix-like systems, broadening its usability.
- **Package Availability**: Included in major Linux distributions like Gentoo and Ubuntu.
- **Optional Extensions**: Supports command-line parser generators for enhanced functionality.

## Body
### Overview
Autoproject is a script designed to streamline the creation of programming projects. It leverages Autoconf and Automake to generate build configurations, ensuring compatibility across different systems. The tool was first released in 1999 by James R. Van Zandt, a computer scientist, and has since been maintained by him.

### Development and Release
- **Creator**: James R. Van Zandt, who also maintains the project.
- **Inception**: 1999.
- **License**: GNU GPL version 2.0 or later, ensuring its status as free software.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on the Debian Salsa repository, with a Git repository available for access.

### Functionality
- **Build System Integration**: Uses Autoconf and Automake to generate build configurations.
- **Command-Line Support**: Optionally integrates with command-line parser generators.
- **Manual Page**: Documented via autoproject.1 for user reference.

### Availability
- **Package Management**: Available as dev-util/autoproject in Gentoo and as autoproject in Ubuntu.
- **Debian Package**: Part of the Debian stable distribution.
- **NetBSD Package**: Available as wip/autoproject.

### Copyright and Maintenance
- **Copyright Holder**: Initially held by Q48413 (1987–2000), later by James R. Van Zandt (1999–2006).
- **Maintenance**: Continued by James R. Van Zandt.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Autoproject",
  "description": "A script to start a programming project using Autoconf, Automake, and optionally a command line parser generator.",
  "url": "https://tracker.debian.org/pkg/autoproject",
  "applicationCategory": "DevelopmentTool",
  "operatingSystem": ["BSD", "Unix-like"],
  "license": "https://spdx.org/licenses/GPL-2.0-or-later.html",
  "dateCreated": "1999",
  "creator": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "James R. Van Zandt",
    "occupation": "Computer Scientist"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://salsa.debian.org/debian/autoproject.git",
    "https://tracker.debian.org/pkg/autoproject"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://ibiblio.org/pub/linux/devel/autoproject.lsm)
2. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/debian/autoproject/-/blob/debian/master/autoproject.in)
3. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/debian/autoproject/-/blob/debian/master/autoproject.1)
4. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/bullseye/autoproject)
5. [Source](https://metadata.ftp-master.debian.org/changelogs//main/a/autoproject/autoproject_0.20-13_copyright)