# bsdutils

> FreeBSD core utilities

**Wikidata**: [Q116695406](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116695406)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bsdutils

## Summary
bsdutils is a software package consisting of core utilities derived from the FreeBSD operating system. Developed by David L. Cantrell, it is licensed under the 3-clause BSD License. The project is actively maintained, with version 13.1 released in early 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** David L. Cantrell
- **License:** 3-clause BSD License
- **Parent Project:** Part of FreeBSD (a free Unix-like operating system)
- **Latest Version:** 13.1 (released January 4, 2023)
- **Category:** Software (non-tangible executable component)
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **Source Repository:** https://github.com/dcantrell/bsdutils
- **Official Website:** https://codeberg.org/dcantrell/bsdutils
- **Operating System Origin:** FreeBSD (inception November 1, 1993)

## FAQs
### Q: Who is the developer of bsdutils?
A: The software is developed by David L. Cantrell. It serves as a collection of core utilities associated with the FreeBSD operating system.

### Q: Under what license is bsdutils distributed?
A: bsdutils is distributed under the 3-clause BSD License. This is a permissive free software license allowing for redistribution and use in source and binary forms.

### Q: Where can the source code for bsdutils be found?
A: The source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/dcantrell/bsdutils`. An official website is also maintained at Codeberg.

## Why It Matters
bsdutils plays a specific role in the ecosystem of Unix-like operating systems by providing the essential core utilities required for system operation. As a component of FreeBSD—an operating system with a history dating back to 1993—these utilities are fundamental to the system's functionality. The project is significant because it represents a maintained, independent package of these utilities developed by David L. Cantrell, distinct from the base system updates, as evidenced by specific release tags like version 13.1.

The use of the 3-clause BSD License is a critical aspect of its relevance. This licensing model is widely respected in the open-source community for its permissiveness, allowing developers to use, modify, and redistribute the code with minimal restrictions compared to copyleft licenses. By maintaining these utilities under this license, the project ensures broad compatibility and adoption potential within both open-source and proprietary environments. The availability of the code on platforms like GitHub and Codeberg further emphasizes its accessibility for modern development workflows.

## Notable For
- **Core System Component:** Identified as the core utilities for FreeBSD, a major Unix-like operating system.
- **Permissive Licensing:** Utilizes the 3-clause BSD License, facilitating wide usage and modification.
- **Specific Maintainership:** Distinctively developed and maintained by David L. Cantrell, rather than solely by the broader FreeBSD project team.
- **Recent Activity:** Demonstrates active maintenance with the release of version 13.1 in January 2023.

## Body

### Development and Repository
bsdutils is a software project classified as a "non-tangible executable component." The project is developed by David L. Cantrell. The source code is officially available via a GitHub repository located at `https://github.com/dcantrell/bsdutils`. Additionally, the project maintains a web presence at `https://codeberg.org/dcantrell/bsdutils`.

### Version History
The project has documented releases indicating ongoing maintenance. A prominent release is version 13.1.
- **Release Date:** January 4, 2023
- **Reference:** Release 13.1 (accessed via GitHub)

### Licensing and Legal Status
The software is distributed under the **3-clause BSD License**, a standard license for FreeBSD-related software. Despite being open-source, the copyright status is explicitly listed as "copyrighted," retaining standard intellectual property protections while allowing licensed distribution.

### Relationship to FreeBSD
bsdutils is intrinsically linked to **FreeBSD**, a free Unix-like operating system.
- **Classification:** The utilities are considered a "part of" the FreeBSD ecosystem.
- **Context:** FreeBSD itself was inceptioned on November 1, 1993.

## References

1. [Release 13.1. 2023](https://github.com/dcantrell/bsdutils/releases/tag/v13.1)
2. [dcantrell/bsdutils: Alternative to GNU coreutils using software from FreeBSD - Codeberg.org](https://codeberg.org/dcantrell/bsdutils/src/tag/v13.2)
3. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/dcantrell/bsdutils)
4. [dcantrell/bsdutils. 2026](https://github.com/dcantrell/bsdutils)