# CARLA

> open source simulator to support development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems

**Wikidata**: [Q111609190](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111609190)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/carla-q111609190

## Summary
CARLA is an open-source simulator developed to support the development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems. It is classified as free software distributed under the MIT License, providing a platform for users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the code.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Open source simulator (Instance of: Free software).
- **Primary Function:** Supports the development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems.
- **License:** MIT License.
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Website:** `https://carla.org/` (English).
- **Source Code Repository:** `https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla`.
- **Latest Stable Version (Preferred):** 0.10.0 (released 2024-12-19).
- **Other Recent Stable Versions:** 0.9.16 (2025-09-16), 0.9.15 (2023-11-11), 0.9.14 (2022-12-24).
- **Historical Versions:** Ranges from 0.6.0 (2017-11-10) through 0.9.13 (2021-11-16).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of CARLA?
A: CARLA is an open-source simulator specifically designed to aid in the development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems.

### Q: Under what license is CARLA distributed?
A: CARLA is distributed under the MIT License. As free software, it allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### Q: Is CARLA considered free software?
A: Yes, CARLA is an instance of free software. This means it is distributed under terms that allow users to utilize, modify, and redistribute the code, distinguishing it from proprietary software.

### Q: Where can the source code for CARLA be found?
A: The source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla`.

### Q: What is the most recent version of CARLA?
A: According to the provided data, the preferred stable version is 0.10.0, released on December 19, 2024. A version labeled 0.9.16 is listed with a release date of September 16, 2025.

## Why It Matters
CARLA matters because it bridges the gap between theoretical autonomous driving algorithms and real-world application by providing a high-fidelity simulation environment. By being open-source and licensed under MIT, it democratizes access to advanced testing tools, allowing researchers and developers to freely study, modify, and validate autonomous systems without the restrictions of proprietary software. This fosters rapid innovation and collaboration in the field of self-driving technology, serving as a critical alternative to closed-loop proprietary systems.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Autonomy:** A distinct simulator for autonomous driving that is fully open-source, contrasting with many proprietary solutions in the automotive industry.
- **Free Software Model:** Distributed under the MIT License, embodying the "four freedoms" of free software (run, study, change, distribute).
- **Active Development:** A long release history spanning from 2017 to 2024 (and projected beyond), with frequent stable updates.
- **Accessibility:** Hosted publicly on GitHub with an dedicated English-language website, ensuring global availability.

## Body

### Definition and Core Functionality
CARLA is a simulator explicitly built to facilitate the development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems. It operates as a platform where developers can test algorithms and driving logic in a controlled, virtual environment before deploying them to physical vehicles.

### Software Classification and Philosophy
CARLA is technically classified as an **instance of free software**. This classification implies specific user rights and philosophical alignments:
- **User Rights:** Users are permitted to freely run, study, change, and distribute CARLA and any modified versions of it.
- **Category:** It falls under the broader software category of open-source software and is distinct from proprietary software (which restricts these freedoms).
- **Origins:** It aligns with the free software movement and the open-source movement.

### Licensing and Legal Status
The software is distributed under the **MIT License**. While it is categorized as free software, the data explicitly notes its copyright status as **copyrighted**. It is described as a subclass of:
- Freely redistributable software
- Source-available software
- Open-source software

It is distinct from (different from):
- Freeware
- Free software licenses (the legal document vs. the software itself)

### Release History and Timeline
CARLA has maintained a consistent release schedule from 2017 through 2024, with future versions noted in the data. The development timeline includes the following key releases:

**Early Development (2017 - 2018):**
- **0.6.0:** Released 2017-11-10.
- **0.7.0:** Released 2017-11-28.
- **0.7.1:** Released 2018-01-25.
- **0.8.0:** Released 2018-03-27.
- **0.8.1:** Released 2018-04-05.
- **0.8.2:** Released 2018-04-23.

**Recent and Stable Versions (2020 - 2024):**
- **0.9.11:** Released 2020-12-23.
- **0.9.12:** Released 2021-08-03.
- **0.9.13:** Released 2021-11-16.
- **0.9.14:** Stable version released 2022-12-24.
- **0.9.15:** Stable version released 2023-11-11.
- **0.10.0:** Stable version (marked as preferred) released 2024-12-19.

**Projected/Future Data:**
- **0.9.16:** Listed as a stable version with a release date of 2025-09-16.

### Access and Resources
The project is accessible via its official website and source repository.
- **Website:** `https://carla.org/` (Language: English)
- **Repository:** `https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla`

## References

1. [Release 0.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.6.0)
2. [Release 0.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.7.0)
3. [Release 0.7.1. 2018](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.7.1)
4. [Release 0.8.0. 2018](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.8.0)
5. [Release 0.8.1. 2018](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.8.1)
6. [Release 0.8.2. 2018](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.8.2)
7. [Release 0.9.11. 2020](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.11)
8. [Release 0.9.12. 2021](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.12)
9. [Release 0.9.13. 2021](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.13)
10. [Release 0.9.14. 2022](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.14)
11. [Release 0.9.15. 2023](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.15)
12. [Release 0.10.0. 2024](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.10.0)
13. [Release 0.9.16. 2025](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/releases/tag/0.9.16)