# C Intermediate Language > simplified subset of the C programming language **Wikidata**: [Q2932182](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2932182) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_Intermediate_Language) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/c-intermediate-language ## Summary C Intermediate Language (CIL) is a simplified subset of the C programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine. It is classified as both a programming language and free software, distributed under a 3-clause BSD license. The project is actively maintained in a source code repository on GitHub. ## Key Facts - **Definition:** C Intermediate Language is a simplified subset of the C programming language. - **Also Known As:** CIL, CIL (langage). - **Classification:** Instance of a programming language and free software. - **License:** Distributed under the **3-clause BSD License** (preferred) and generally under BSD licenses. - **Latest Stable Version:** **1.7.3** (released December 30, 2014). - **Previous Version:** 1.7.2 (released July 3, 2013). - **Source Repository:** Hosted at `https://github.com/cil-project/cil`. - **Project Hosting:** Maintains a presence on SourceForge as project "cil". - **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted. - **Language Support:** Documentation or pages available in English and French. - **Identifiers:** Freebase ID `/m/0bv6y6`; Wikidata description available. ## FAQs ### Q: What type of software license governs C Intermediate Language? A: C Intermediate Language is free software released primarily under the 3-clause BSD License. This allows for broad usage and modification under open-source terms. ### Q: Where can the source code for C Intermediate Language be found? A. The source code is currently hosted on GitHub at the repository `cil-project/cil`. Historical files are also associated with the SourceForge project "cil". ### Q: What is the release history of C Intermediate Language? A. The most recent stable release is version 1.7.3, which was published on December 30, 2014. The preceding stable version, 1.7.2, was released on July 3, 2013. ## Why It Matters C Intermediate Language serves as a specialized tool within the broader domain of computer science and programming language theory. By functioning as a simplified subset of C, it lowers the complexity barrier often associated with full-scale C programming, allowing for specific analysis or transformation tasks that might be hindered by the complexities of the full language syntax. Its existence as free software under a permissive BSD license ensures that it remains accessible to developers and researchers for integration into larger toolchains or for educational purposes without restrictive commercial constraints. ## Notable For - Being a distinct **simplified subset** of the widely-used C programming language. - Dual availability on major open-source repositories: **GitHub** for source code and **SourceForge** for project distribution. - Licensing under the **3-clause BSD License**, a permissive free software license. - Having a multilingual presence, with specific Wikipedia entries in **English and French**. ## Body ### Definition and Classification C Intermediate Language (often abbreviated as CIL) is defined strictly as a **simplified subset of the C programming language**. As a programming language, it falls under the formal classification of languages used to communicate instructions to a machine, specifically computers. It is categorized as an **instance of free software**, indicating that it respects users' freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the software. In the context of programming language theory, CIL shares the fundamental characteristics of programming languages, which include having a defined **syntax** (rules defining valid code structure), **semantics** (meaning behind constructs), and an **execution model**. It is related to other language classes such as imperative programming languages and domain-specific mini-languages due to its nature as a specialized subset. ### Licensing and Legal Status The project operates under a **copyrighted** status but is freely available under open-source terms. The preferred license identified for C Intermediate Language is the **3-clause BSD License**. This license is known for being permissive, allowing for redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, as long as specific conditions are met. References to the license are documented in the project's repository and SourceForge pages. ### Version History and Development The development of C Intermediate Language is tracked through specific stable version releases: - **Version 1.7.3:** Released on December 30, 2014, this is identified as the stable version. - **Version 1.7.2:** Released on July 3, 2013, serving as the predecessor to version 1.7.3. ### Project Resources and Community The project maintains a digital footprint across several platforms: - **Source Code Repository:** The primary development and source code hosting is located at `https://github.com/cil-project/cil`. - **Project Hosting:** It is also associated with a **SourceForge** project identified by the handle `cil`. - **Encyclopedic Presence:** The language has a documented presence on Wikipedia, specifically titled "C Intermediate Language," with sitelinks in **English** and **French**. It holds a Freebase ID of `/m/0bv6y6`. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/cil-project/cil/blob/develop/LICENSE) 2. [SourceForge](https://sourceforge.net/projects/cil/) 3. [Release 1.7.3. 2014](https://github.com/cil-project/cil/releases/tag/cil-1.7.3) 4. [Release 1.7.2. 2013](https://github.com/cil-project/cil/releases/tag/cil-1.7.2)