# Ding: Dictionary Lookup

> free software

**Wikidata**: [Q1226337](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1226337)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ding-dictionary-lookup

## Summary
Ding: Dictionary Lookup is a free software application designed for dictionary functionality, licensed under the GNU General Public License. Also known by the alias "Dictionary Nice Grep," it is classified as an instance of free software and is available through package managers such as Mageia and openSUSE. The project is hosted by TU Chemnitz and possesses a specific entry in the Google Knowledge Graph.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** Ding: Dictionary Lookup
- **Alias:** Dictionary Nice Grep
- **Category:** Instance of **free software**
- **License:** GNU General Public License
- **Website:** http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~fri/ding/
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **Package Availability:** Available as `ding` in both **Mageia** and **openSUSE** distributions
- **Language Coverage:** Associated with the **German** Wikipedia (`wikipedia_languages: de`)
- **Wikidata Description:** "free software"
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/1229bdp7
- **Sitelink Count:** 1
- **Image Resource:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ding-_Dictionary_Lookup.png

## FAQs

### Q: What type of software is Ding: Dictionary Lookup?
A: Ding is classified strictly as free software. This means it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and any modified versions, governed by the GNU General Public License.

### Q: Under what license is Ding distributed?
A: The software is distributed under the **GNU General Public License**. This licensing ensures the application remains free and open-source, adhering to the principles of the free software movement.

### Q: Where can Ding be found or accessed?
A: Ding has an official website hosted at TU Chemnitz (http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~fri/ding/). Additionally, it is available as an installable package named `ding` in the software repositories for the Mageia and openSUSE Linux distributions.

### Q: Is Ding considered a proprietary application?
A: No. Ding is the opposite of proprietary software. As an instance of free software, it falls under the broader category of open-source software and source-available software, distinct from freeware or proprietary closed-source models.

## Why It Matters
Ding: Dictionary Lookup matters as a practical implementation of the free software philosophy within the utility space of dictionary and language tools. By being licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), it guarantees users the "four freedoms"—the ability to run, study, modify, and redistribute the code. This distinguishes it significantly from proprietary dictionary software or freeware, which may restrict modification or redistribution.

Its inclusion in specific Linux distribution repositories (Mageia and openSUSE) highlights its relevance and reliability within the open-source ecosystem. Furthermore, its association with the German Wikipedia and hosting by an academic institution (TU Chemnitz) suggests it serves a specific, potentially linguistic or academic utility for users in that region or field. It stands as a verified, copyrighted entity within the Google Knowledge Graph, confirming its existence as a distinct digital object.

## Notable For
- **Licensing:** Explicitly licensed under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring user freedoms to modify and redistribute.
- **Naming:** Known by the distinct alias **"Dictionary Nice Grep,"** suggesting a technical integration with `grep` or command-line text search functionalities.
- **Distribution:** Verified availability in **Mageia** and **openSUSE** Linux package repositories.
- **Academic Hosting:** Hosted on the domain of **TU Chemnitz** (Technische Universität Chemnitz).
- **Semantic Identity:** Possesses a unique **Google Knowledge Graph ID** (/g/1229bdp7) and a dedicated image file on Wikimedia Commons.

## Body

### Identity and Nomenclature
Ding: Dictionary Lookup is identified in knowledge bases as a distinct software entity. While formally titled "Ding: Dictionary Lookup," it carries the alias **"Dictionary Nice Grep,"** which implies a functionality rooted in text searching or dictionary lookups potentially leveraging the `grep` command-line tool. It is visually represented in knowledge bases by a specific file path on Wikimedia Commons (`Ding-_Dictionary_Lookup.png`).

### Software Classification and Philosophy
The entity is strictly defined as an **instance of free software**. This classification places it within a specific software category defined not just by cost, but by liberty.
- **Core Definition:** As free software, Ding is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it, including modified versions.
- **The Four Freedoms:** The software is characterized by the "four freedoms," aligning it with the free software movement and the broader open-source movement.
- **Differentiation:** It is explicitly distinct from **proprietary software** (its conceptual opposite) and **freeware**. While it is "said to be the same as" open-source software and FOSS in general classification, it is technically a specific instance of these broader categories.

### Licensing and Legal Status
Ding operates under the **GNU General Public License (GPL)**.
- **Copyright:** Despite being free software, the entity is listed as **copyrighted**. This is standard for GPL software, where copyright is used to enforce the terms of the license (copyleft), ensuring the software remains free for all users.
- **Freedom to Modify:** The GPL license confirms that the source code is available (source-available software) and freely redistributable.

### Availability and Distribution
The software is accessible through several distinct channels, indicating active maintenance within the Linux ecosystem.
- **Official Website:** The project is hosted by the University of Chemnitz at `http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~fri/ding/`.
- **Linux Packages:** The software is available for installation via specific package managers. It is listed as `ding` in both the **Mageia** and **openSUSE** distributions.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has a low sitelink count (1), but is specifically associated with the **German Wikipedia** (`wikipedia_languages: de`), suggesting its primary user base or origin is within the German-speaking community.