# cowsay

> program that generates ASCII pictures of a cow with a message

**Wikidata**: [Q1050444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1050444)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowsay)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cowsay

## Summary
Cowsay is a free, cross-platform command-line tool that generates ASCII art of a cow with a custom message, often used for humorous or decorative output in Unix-like systems. It was first released in 2002 and has since become a widely distributed utility with versions available for Linux, macOS, Android, and BSD variants.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Free software, command-line tool, filter.
- **License**: Artistic License, GNU General Public License.
- **Latest stable version**: 3.8.4 (released November 30, 2024).
- **Operating systems**: Cross-platform, including Android, Linux, macOS, and BSD variants.
- **Input method**: Command-line interface.
- **Output effect**: ASCII art of a cow with a speech balloon containing a message.
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on GitHub at [cowsay-org/cowsay](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay).
- **Website**: [cowsay.diamonds](https://cowsay.diamonds/).
- **Package names**: Available as `games/cowsay` on FreeBSD and OpenBSD, `games-misc/cowsay` on Gentoo, and `cowsay` on Debian, Arch Linux, and Homebrew.
- **Wikipedia presence**: Articles exist in 14 languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese.
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted.

## FAQs
**What is cowsay used for?**
Cowsay is primarily used to generate ASCII art of a cow with a custom message, often for humorous or decorative output in command-line environments. It serves as a playful way to format text in Unix-like systems.

**Is cowsay free to use?**
Yes, cowsay is free software distributed under the Artistic License and GNU General Public License, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it freely.

**On which platforms can cowsay be run?**
Cowsay is cross-platform and available for Android, Linux, macOS, and BSD variants, including FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD.

**How do I install cowsay?**
Cowsay can be installed via package managers on supported systems, such as `apt install cowsay` on Debian or `brew install cowsay` on macOS. Source code is also available on GitHub.

**What is the latest version of cowsay?**
The latest stable version is 3.8.4, released on November 30, 2024.

## Why It Matters
Cowsay is significant as one of the earliest and most enduring command-line utilities, demonstrating the creative potential of ASCII art in Unix environments. Its simplicity and humor have made it a staple in developer culture, often used in scripts, system messages, and as a playful way to engage with terminal output. While not a critical tool, it reflects the broader evolution of Unix-like systems and the community-driven development of open-source software.

## Notable For
- **ASCII Art Innovation**: Pioneered a simple yet effective way to generate decorative text in terminal environments.
- **Cross-Platform Availability**: One of the few utilities available on Android, Linux, macOS, and BSD variants.
- **Long-Term Maintenance**: Regular updates, with the latest stable release (3.8.4) occurring in 2024.
- **Community Adoption**: Widely distributed through package managers and maintained on GitHub.
- **Humor in Technical Spaces**: Often used for playful or humorous output in scripts and system messages.

## Body
### Overview
Cowsay is a command-line tool that generates ASCII art of a cow with a custom message, often used for decorative or humorous output in Unix-like systems. It was first released in 2002 and has since become a widely distributed utility, available on Linux, macOS, Android, and BSD variants.

### History
- **Initial Release**: Version 3.03 was released in 2002.
- **Maintenance**: Regular updates have been released, with the latest stable version (3.8.4) published on November 30, 2024.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub under the cowsay-org organization, with contributions from multiple developers.

### Technical Details
- **Input/Output**: Accepts text input via the command line and outputs ASCII art of a cow with a speech balloon containing the message.
- **Platforms**: Cross-platform, with versions available for Android, Linux, macOS, and BSD variants.
- **Licensing**: Distributed under the Artistic License and GNU General Public License, ensuring free use and modification.

### Distribution
- **Package Managers**: Available as `games/cowsay` on FreeBSD and OpenBSD, `games-misc/cowsay` on Gentoo, and `cowsay` on Debian, Arch Linux, and Homebrew.
- **Android**: Distributed via F-Droid under the package name `ch.fixme.cowsay`.
- **Website**: Official site is [cowsay.diamonds](https://cowsay.diamonds/), with historical archives available.

### Community and Adoption
- **Wikipedia**: Articles exist in 14 languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese.
- **Sitelinks**: Linked from 14 Wikipedia pages, indicating widespread recognition.
- **Freebase ID**: Assigned the identifier `/m/04s__5` in 2013.

### Related Projects
- **Free Software**: Classified as free software, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it.
- **Filters**: Functions as a filter, processing input streams into ASCII art output.
- **Artistic License**: Licensed under the Artistic License, part of a series of free software licenses.

### Significance
Cowsay remains a notable example of early Unix creativity, blending humor with technical functionality. Its persistence across multiple platforms and operating systems underscores its utility in developer workflows, where ASCII art can add personality to terminal output. While not a critical tool, it reflects the broader cultural impact of open-source software in fostering community-driven innovation.

## References

1. [tnalpgge/rank-amateur-cowsay](https://github.com/tnalpgge/rank-amateur-cowsay/releases/tag/cowsay-3.04)
2. [Release 3.04.01. 2016](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.04.01)
3. [Release 3.5.0. 2020](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.5.0)
4. [Release 3.6.0. 2020](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.6.0)
5. [Release 3.6.1. 2020](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.6.1)
6. [Release 3.7.0. 2020](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.7.0)
7. [Release 3.8.0. 2024](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.8.0)
8. [Release 3.8.1. 2024](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.8.1)
9. [Release 3.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.8.2)
10. [Release 3.8.3. 2024](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.8.3)
11. [Release 3.8.4. 2024](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay/releases/tag/v3.8.4)
12. [Source](https://repology.org/project/cowsay/information)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://github.com/cowsay-org/cowsay-www)