# Cynthiune > music player for GNUstep **Wikidata**: [Q117050720](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117050720) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cynthiune ## Summary Cynthiune is a free audio player software application designed specifically for the GNUstep desktop environment. Created and maintained by Wolfgang Sourdeau, it serves as a music player capable of running on Unix-like operating systems, including BSD and macOS. The software is distributed as a free project, with packages available for various Linux distributions and BSD variants. ## Key Facts - **Type:** Free software; Audio player software. - **Platform:** GNUstep (requires this desktop environment framework). - **Creator:** Wolfgang Sourdeau (also the copyright holder and maintainer). - **Copyright:** Held by Wolfgang Sourdeau since 2002. - **Operating Systems:** Compatible with BSD, macOS (specifically noted as of 2004), and other Unix-like systems. - **Website:** https://gap.nongnu.org/cynthiune/ - **Man Page:** Cynthiune.1 - **Package Names:** Distributed as `cynthiune.app` in Arch (AUR), Ubuntu, and Debian stable; `gnustep-apps/cynthiune` in Gentoo; `audio/cynthiune` in FreeBSD; and `x11/gnustep/cynthiune` in OpenBSD. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Cynthiune used for? A: Cynthiune is used for playing music files. It is an audio player application built specifically for users of the GNUstep desktop environment. ### Q: Who created and maintains Cynthiune? A: Cynthiune was created by Wolfgang Sourdeau, who is also the copyright holder and maintainer of the software. ### Q: On which operating systems can Cynthiune run? A: While designed for GNUstep, Cynthiune runs on Unix-like operating systems. Specific confirmed compatibility includes BSD variants (FreeBSD, OpenBSD), macOS, and Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo). ### Q: Is Cynthiune free to use? A: Yes, Cynthiune is classified as free software, meaning users are free to run, study, change, and distribute it. ## Why It Matters Cynthiune holds significance within the niche ecosystem of the GNUstep desktop environment, a free software implementation of the OpenStep/NeXTSTEP standards. While major desktop environments like GNOME and KDE dominate the Linux landscape, GNUstep represents a dedicated community focused on a specific development philosophy and user interface design. Cynthiune addresses the essential need for a native, integrated media player within this specific stack. By providing a dedicated audio solution, Cynthiune allows users operating within the GNUstep environment to enjoy music playback without relying on heavy dependencies from other desktop environments. Its continued packaging in major BSD ports (FreeBSD, OpenBSD) and Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Arch) as late as 2023 indicates enduring utility and relevance for users of lightweight or alternative Unix-like systems. Furthermore, its development history, maintained consistently by Wolfgang Sourdeau since 2002, stands as an example of long-term, independent free software stewardship. ## Notable For - **GNUstep Integration:** One of the specific audio players tailored for the GNUstep framework, offering native look and feel for that environment. - **Cross-Platform Availability:** Unusually broad packaging for a GNUstep app, with confirmed ports for FreeBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, and Arch Linux. - **Long-Term Maintenance:** Maintained by its original creator, Wolfgang Sourdeau, with a copyright history tracing back to 2002. - **Free Software Philosophy:** Explicitly classified as free software, adhering to the principles of user freedom to study and modify the code. ## Body ### Development and History Cynthiune is an audio player application initiated by Wolfgang Sourdeau. The project is hosted at `https://gap.nongnu.org/cynthiune/`. According to available records, the copyright is held by Wolfgang Sourdeau with a start time of 2002. The software is designated as "Free Software," allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it. The project is maintained by its creator. ### System Requirements and Compatibility The application is built for the **GNUstep** platform, a prerequisite for its operation. Consequently, it is designed to run on any operating system that supports GNUstep. - **macOS:** Documentation confirms support for macOS (operating system for Apple computers), with specific references dating back to 2004. - **BSD:** The software is supported on BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) variants. ### Distribution and Packaging Cynthiune is widely available across various Unix-like operating systems through native package managers and ports collections. **Linux Distributions:** - **Debian:** The source package transitioned from `cynthiune` (active briefly in 2004) to `cynthiune.app` (active from 2005). The stable package is currently `cynthiune.app`. - **Ubuntu:** Available as `cynthiune.app`. The Launchpad project ID is `ubuntu/+source/cynthiune.app`. - **Gentoo:** Available in the repository as `gnustep-apps/cynthiune`. - **Arch Linux:** Available in the Arch User Repository (AUR) as `cynthiune.app`. **BSD Variants:** - **FreeBSD:** Available via the ports collection at `audio/cynthiune`. - **OpenBSD:** Available via the ports collection at `x11/gnustep/cynthiune`. ### Documentation The software includes a manual page referenced as `Cynthiune.1`. The official website and documentation are available in English. ## References 1. [Source](https://gap.nongnu.org/cynthiune/) 2. [Source](https://manpages.debian.org/bullseye/cynthiune.app/Cynthiune.1.en.html) 3. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/fr/source/bullseye/cynthiune.app) 4. [Source](https://gap.nongnu.org/cynthiune/Cynthiune-0.9.5.jpg)