# BackSlash Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q39056505](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39056505)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/backslash-linux

## Summary  
BackSlash Linux is an Indian‑origin Linux distribution launched in 2016 by programmer Kumar Priyansh. It is released under the Apache Software License 2.0 and, as of December 2018, the latest stable release is the “Kristoff” version.

## Key Facts  
- **Inception:** 2016, created by Indian programmer Kumar Priyansh.  
- **Latest release:** “Kristoff” version, dated 25 December 2018.  
- **License:** Apache Software License 2.0 (source‑available on SourceForge).  
- **Base system:** Built on the Linux kernel (Wikidata Q381).  
- **Developer:** Kumar Priyansh (programmer, India).  
- **Website:** http://www.backslashlinux.com (English language).  
- **Source code repository:** https://github.com/backslashlinux/.  
- **Distribution channel:** Available for download at https://sourceforge.net/projects/backslash-linux/.  
- **Country of origin:** India; classified as a Linux distribution.  

## FAQs  
### Q: Who created BackSlash Linux?  
A: BackSlash Linux was created by Indian programmer Kumar Priyansh.  

### Q: When was the first version of BackSlash Linux released?  
A: The distribution was launched in 2016; its most recent named release, “Kristoff,” came out on 25 December 2018.  

### Q: Under what license is BackSlash Linux distributed?  
A: It is released under the Apache Software License 2.0.  

### Q: Where can I download BackSlash Linux?  
A: The operating system can be downloaded from its official website (http://www.backslashlinux.com) and from its SourceForge project page.  

### Q: Is the source code for BackSlash Linux publicly available?  
A: Yes, the source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/backslashlinux/.  

## Why It Matters  
BackSlash Linux adds to the diversity of open‑source operating systems by providing a distribution that originates from India and is driven by a single developer, Kumar Priyansh. Its Apache 2.0 licensing offers a permissive framework that encourages reuse and integration into commercial and academic projects, distinguishing it from many GPL‑licensed Linux variants. By targeting users who prefer a lightweight, community‑maintained system, BackSlash Linux helps lower the barrier to entry for developers and enthusiasts in emerging markets. Its availability on mainstream platforms like SourceForge and GitHub ensures easy access to both binaries and source code, fostering transparency and collaborative improvement. As a copyrighted yet open‑source project, it exemplifies how individual contributors can create viable, legally clear alternatives within the broader Linux ecosystem, supporting the global push toward software freedom and localized innovation.

## Notable For  
- **First Indian‑origin Linux distribution** developed by a single programmer.  
- **Apache 2.0 licensing**, a permissive alternative to the more common GPL licenses in Linux.  
- **“Kristoff” release** (December 2018) that marks the latest named version.  
- **Dual distribution channels**: official website and SourceForge, with source hosted on GitHub.  
- **Clear branding** with a dedicated logo and device imagery hosted on Wikimedia Commons.  

## Body  

### Overview  
BackSlash Linux is a Linux distribution (instance of “Linux distribution” in Wikidata) that combines the Linux kernel with core GNU components. It is copyrighted but released under a permissive Apache 2.0 license, allowing broad reuse.

### Development History  
- **2016:** Inception of the project by Kumar Priyansh, an Indian programmer.  
- **2018‑12‑25:** Publication of the “Kristoff” version, the most recent major release recorded.  

### Technical Details  
- **Kernel base:** Linux kernel (Wikidata Q381).  
- **License:** Apache Software License 2.0, confirmed by SourceForge metadata (accessed 12 July 2021).  
- **Versioning:** Named releases; “Kristoff” is the latest known.  

### Licensing and Distribution  
- **License type:** Permissive Apache 2.0, enabling commercial and private use without copyleft requirements.  
- **Distribution sites:** Official website (http://www.backslashlinux.com), SourceForge project page, and GitHub repository (https://github.com/backslashlinux/).  

### Community and Availability  
- **Country of origin:** India, reflecting a regional contribution to the global Linux landscape.  
- **Language support:** Primary documentation in English; Wikipedia entries exist in Bengali (bn) and Italian (it).  
- **Media assets:** Logo and device images are stored on Wikimedia Commons, providing visual identity for the project.  

### References & Resources  
- **Official website:** http://www.backslashlinux.com (English).  
- **Source code:** https://github.com/backslashlinux/.  
- **Download page:** https://sourceforge.net/projects/backslash-linux/.  
- **Logo:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/BackSlash_Linux_Logo_New.png.  
- **Device image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Devices_Running_BackSlash_Linux_Kristoff.png.

## References

1. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/backslash-linux/)
2. [Source](https://www.backslashlinux.com/)