# Bitwarden Comandline Client
**Wikidata**: [Q111142331](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111142331)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bitwarden-comandline-client

## Summary
The Bitwarden Command-line Client (CLI) is a free software tool designed to interact with the Bitwarden password management service via the command line. Often referred to as `bitwarden-cli`, it is an instance of free software, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the application. The client is widely accessible through various package managers, including Snap, Homebrew, and Chocolatey, and has been actively developed with versions ranging from early releases in 2018 to the v2022.9.0 release in September 2022.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases:** `bitwarden-cli`
- **Software Classification:** Instance of **Bitwarden** and **free software**.
- **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/bitwarden/cli`.
- **Official Website:** `https://bitwarden.com/`
- **Package Identifiers:**
    - **Snap Package:** `bw`
    - **Homebrew Formula:** `bitwarden-cli`
    - **Chocolatey Package:** `bitwarden-cli`
- **Initial Release:** Version 0.3.0 was released on May 19, 2018.
- **Latest Noted Version:** Version `v2022.9.0` (preferred), released on September 12, 2022.
- **Licensing:** As free software, it is defined by terms allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.
- **Release History:** Over 40 distinct versions recorded between May 2018 and September 2022.

## FAQs

### What is the Bitwarden Command-line Client?
The Bitwarden Command-line Client is a tool categorized as free software and an instance of Bitwarden. It allows users to interact with Bitwarden services via the command line and is distributed under terms that permit users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### How can the Bitwarden Command-line Client be installed?
The client is available through several package managers. It can be installed via Snap using the package name `bw`, via Homebrew using the formula `bitwarden-cli`, and via the Chocolatey community repository using the package ID `bitwarden-cli`.

### Is the Bitwarden Command-line Client considered free software?
Yes, it is explicitly classified as an instance of **free software**. This means it is distributed with terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software, including modified versions. It is associated with the free software movement and is distinct from proprietary software.

### Where is the source code for the Bitwarden Command-line Client hosted?
The source code is maintained in a GitHub repository located at `https://github.com/bitwarden/cli`. Release history indicates that newer versions, such as v2022.9.0, are also tagged in a broader `bitwarden/clients` repository.

## Why It Matters
The Bitwarden Command-line Client matters because it extends the capabilities of the Bitwarden ecosystem into terminal environments, which is essential for developers, administrators, and automation scripts that require password management without a graphical user interface. By being classified as **free software**, it provides significant value through user permissions: the ability to study and change the code allows for security audits and customization, while the right to distribute modified versions supports the open-source community. This positions the client as a transparent and flexible alternative to proprietary command-line tools. Its availability across major package managers like Homebrew, Snap, and Chocolatey further ensures that it is easily accessible on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems, facilitating seamless integration into diverse workflows.

## Notable For
- **Free Software Classification:** Defined by the "four freedoms," allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute the software, distinguishing it from proprietary alternatives.
- **Cross-Platform Distribution:** Availability on Snap (`bw`), Homebrew (`bitwarden-cli`), and Chocolatey (`bitwarden-cli`) ensures broad accessibility.
- **Active Development:** A robust release history spanning from 2018 to 2022, with frequent updates (e.g., multiple releases in 2018 and 2020).
- **Open Repository:** Public source code availability on GitHub, inviting community engagement and verification.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
The Bitwarden Command-line Client is a tool classified as an **instance of Bitwarden** and **free software**. As free software, it is part of a software category that emphasizes user liberty. It is defined by terms that allow users to:
- Freely run the software.
- Study how the software works.
- Change the software to suit their needs.
- Distribute the software and any modified versions.

It is considered a facet of a computer program and a subclass of freely redistributable software, source-available software, and open-source software. It stands in contrast to **proprietary software**.

### Availability and Installation
The client is distributed through several channels to accommodate different operating systems and preferences:
- **Snap:** Users can install the package named `bw`.
- **Homebrew:** The formula is available under the name `bitwarden-cli`.
- **Chocolatey:** The community package ID is `bitwarden-cli`.
- **Source:** The primary source code repository is located at `https://github.com/bitwarden/cli`.

### Development and Release History
The development of the Bitwarden Command-line Client shows a consistent history of updates from its initial release in 2018 through 2022.

#### 2018 Inception
Development began rapidly in 2018 with the following key releases:
- **v0.3.0:** Released May 19, 2018.
- **v1.0.0:** Released May 23, 2018.
- **v1.1.0 to v1.7.0:** Regular updates throughout the year, concluding with v1.7.0 on December 31, 2018.

#### 2019 to 2021 Evolution
The software continued to evolve with numerous patches and feature updates:
- **2019:** Released versions 1.7.1, 1.7.4, and 1.8.0.
- **2020:** Saw significant activity with versions 1.9.0 through 1.13.3, including multiple releases in November (1.13.0, 1.13.1, 1.13.2).
- **2021:** Releases ranged from v1.14.0 (February 3) to v1.21.0 (February 10, 2022).

#### 2022 Updates and Repository Shift
In 2022, the release structure noted a shift in repository references:
- **v1.22.0:** Released March 17, 2022 (referenced from `github.com/bitwarden/cli`).
- **v1.22.1:** Released April 25, 2022.
- **v2022.9.0:** Released September 12, 2022. This version is marked as preferred and references the repository `https://github.com/bitwarden/clients` with the tag `cli-v2022.9.0`.

### Conceptual Context
The client operates within the broader context of the **free software movement** and the **open source movement**. It shares characteristics with **free and open-source software (FOSS)** and is distinct from **freeware** (which may be free of cost but restricts modification) and **free software licenses** (which are the legal instruments rather than the software itself).

## References

1. [Release 0.3.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
2. [Release 1.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
3. [Release 1.0.1. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
4. [Release 1.1.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.1.0)
5. [Release 1.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
6. [Release 1.3.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.3.0)
7. [Release 1.4.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.4.0)
8. [Release 1.5.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.5.0)
9. [Release 1.6.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.6.0)
10. [Release 1.7.0. 2018](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.7.0)
11. [Release 1.7.1. 2019](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.7.1)
12. [Release 1.7.4. 2019](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.7.4)
13. [Release 1.8.0. 2019](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.8.0)
14. [Release 1.9.0. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.9.0)
15. [Release 1.9.1. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.9.1)
16. [Release 1.10.0. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.10.0)
17. [Release 1.11.0. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.11.0)
18. [Release 1.12.0. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.12.0)
19. [Release 1.12.1. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.12.1)
20. [Release 1.13.0. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.13.0)
21. [Release 1.13.1. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.13.1)
22. [Release 1.13.2. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.13.2)
23. [Release 1.13.3. 2020](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.13.3)
24. [Release 1.14.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.14.0)
25. [Release 1.15.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.15.0)
26. [Release 1.15.1. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.15.1)
27. [Release 1.16.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.16.0)
28. [Release 1.17.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.17.0)
29. [Release 1.17.1. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.17.1)
30. [Release 1.18.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.18.0)
31. [Release 1.18.1. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.18.1)
32. [Release 1.19.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.19.0)
33. [Release 1.19.1. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.19.1)
34. [Release 1.20.0. 2021](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.20.0)
35. [Release 1.21.0. 2022](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.21.0)
36. [Release 1.21.1. 2022](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.21.1)
37. [Release 1.22.0. 2022](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.22.0)
38. [Release 1.22.1. 2022](https://github.com/bitwarden/cli/releases/tag/v1.22.1)
39. [CLI v2022.9.0. 2022](https://github.com/bitwarden/clients/releases/tag/cli-v2022.9.0)
40. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/bitwarden/cli)