# CEDET

> Collection of Emacs Development Environment Tools

**Wikidata**: [Q133963317](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133963317)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cedet

## Summary
CEDET (Collection of Emacs Development Environment Tools) is an integrated development environment implemented as a collection of tools for the GNU Emacs editor. Created and maintained by software engineer Eric M. Ludlam, it is written in Emacs Lisp and classified as free software. The project provides IDE capabilities within the Emacs ecosystem and is available on platforms including BSD and various Linux distributions.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** Collection of Emacs Development Environment Tools
- **Developer:** Eric M. Ludlam (Software Engineer for MATLAB Graphics)
- **Category:** Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Free Software
- **Platform:** GNU Emacs
- **Programming Language:** Emacs Lisp
- **Operating Systems:** BSD, Linux (via Debian/Ubuntu packages)
- **License:** Free Software (Wikidata ID: Q27016754)
- **Project Launch:** Debian source package initiated on November 11, 2004
- **Website:** https://cedet.sourceforge.net/
- **Repository:** Hosted on SourceForge (git)

## FAQs
### Q: Who created CEDET?
A: CEDET was created and is currently maintained by Eric M. Ludlam, a software engineer known for his work on MATLAB Graphics. The tools are written utilizing Emacs Lisp.

### Q: What type of software is CEDET?
A: CEDET is a collection of tools that form an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It is classified as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Where can CEDET be installed?
A: CEDET runs on the GNU Emacs platform and is compatible with BSD operating systems. It is also available as a source package for Debian and Ubuntu (via Launchpad) and has a port available through MacPorts.

## Why It Matters
CEDET is significant because it transforms GNU Emacs from a powerful text editor into a full-featured Integrated Development Environment (IDE). By writing these tools in Emacs Lisp, the project provides a native, extensible development experience that integrates deeply with the editor's existing capabilities. This allows developers to remain within the Emacs environment for coding, project management, and code navigation tasks without switching to external IDEs.

The project serves as a critical bridge for the Emacs community, modernizing the workflow for software development on Unix-like systems such as BSD and Linux. Its presence in major package repositories like Debian (since 2004) and MacPorts highlights its sustained relevance and utility in the open-source ecosystem. As free software, it ensures that these advanced development tools remain accessible to all users, continuing the tradition of user freedom associated with the GNU Project.

## Notable For
- **IDE Integration:** Distinctively functions as a complete IDE built specifically for the GNU Emacs ecosystem.
- **Authorship:** Created solely by Eric M. Ludlam, contrasting with many larger projects developed by teams.
- **Language:** Written entirely in Emacs Lisp, the same dialect used by the host editor (GNU Emacs), ensuring high compatibility.
- **Longevity:** Has been maintained in official repositories like Debian since late 2004.
- **Platform Freedom:** Distributed as free software, adhering to the principles of user liberty defined by the free software movement.

## Body

### Overview and Definition
CEDET is an acronym for the **Collection of Emacs Development Environment Tools**. It is defined as an instance of an integrated development environment and free software. Designed to run on the GNU Emacs platform, it provides a suite of tools to assist in the software development process. The project is accessible via its official website hosted on SourceForge.

### Development and Maintenance
The project was created by **Eric M. Ludlam**, a software engineer and programmer also known for his work on MATLAB Graphics. Ludlam is responsible for both the creation and the ongoing maintenance of the CEDET suite. The tools are developed using **Emacs Lisp**, a dialect of the Lisp programming language that has been central to GNU Emacs since its inception in 1985.

### Technical Environment
CEDET is designed to operate on Unix-like environments. Specifically, it is listed as running on **BSD** operating systems. The software is compatible with the GNU Emacs platform, leveraging the Emacs Lisp environment to execute its features.

### Distribution and Availability
CEDET is widely distributed through several open-source channels, confirming its status as a standard package in the Linux/Unix ecosystem:
- **SourceForge:** The primary project hosting and source code repository is located at `https://sourceforge.net/p/cedet/`.
- **Debian:** A source package is available, with records indicating its inclusion in the Debian tracker since **November 11, 2004**.
- **Ubuntu:** The project is mirrored on Launchpad under the ID `ubuntu/+source/cedet`.
- **MacPorts:** A port named `cedet` is available for macOS users via the MacPorts system.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "CEDET",
  "description": "Collection of Emacs Development Environment Tools, an IDE for GNU Emacs.",
  "url": "https://cedet.sourceforge.net/",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Eric M. Ludlam"
  },
  "programmingLanguage": "Emacs Lisp",
  "operatingSystem": "BSD",
  "applicationCategory": "DeveloperApplication",
  "license": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software",
  "codeRepository": "https://sourceforge.net/p/cedet/git/ci/master/tree/"
}