# Dired

> file system directory editor

**Wikidata**: [Q1227545](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1227545)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dired)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dired

## Summary
Dired is a file system directory editor and file manager for GNU Emacs. It is free software in the GNU Project and is associated with the free software movement. Dired runs on Unix-like operating systems, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.

## Key Facts
- Dired is a file system directory editor (a file manager) for Emacs.
- Dired is part of the GNU Project and is part of GNU Emacs (preferred).
- Dired is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0 (GPL-3.0).
- Dired was developed by Stan Kugell (American computer scientist).
- Dired’s publication date is 1974.
- Dired runs on Unix-like operating systems, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.
- A listed stable version is 7.17, dated 2009-07-30.
- Official website: http://www.deinprogramm.de/sperber/software/dired/
- User manual URL: https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Dired.html

## FAQs
### Q: What is Dired used for?
A: Dired is used to edit and manage file system directories from within Emacs. It functions as a file manager integrated into the Emacs environment.

### Q: Is Dired part of Emacs or a separate program?
A: Dired is part of the GNU Project and is listed as part of GNU Emacs (preferred). It is also described as a file manager for Emacs.

### Q: What license does Dired use?
A: Dired is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. It is associated with the free software movement.

### Q: What operating systems can run Dired?
A: Dired runs on Unix-like operating systems, Microsoft Windows, and macOS. Its platform is GNU Emacs.

## Why It Matters
Dired matters because it provides directory editing and file management directly inside Emacs, aligning file operations with the editor-centric workflow many users rely on. As a file manager for Emacs, it supports working with files and directories without leaving the Emacs environment, which can streamline tasks that otherwise require switching to external file management tools. Dired is also significant as free software under the GPL-3.0 and as part of the GNU Project, placing it within a major ecosystem of software that emphasizes user freedoms to run, study, modify, and redistribute programs. Its long publication history (with a publication date of 1974) and continued presence in GNU Emacs underscore its enduring role in Emacs-based workflows. Dired’s availability across Unix-like systems, Microsoft Windows, and macOS further supports its relevance for users who want a consistent file management interface across platforms.

## Notable For
- Being a file system directory editor (file manager) integrated with Emacs.
- Being part of the GNU Project and included as part of GNU Emacs (preferred).
- Being released as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- Having a publication date of 1974.
- Running across Unix-like operating systems, Microsoft Windows, and macOS (via GNU Emacs).

## Body
### Overview
- Name: Dired
- Description: file system directory editor
- Classification:
  - Instance of: file manager (qualifier: Emacs)
  - Instance of: free software

### Ecosystem and Relationships
- Part of:
  - GNU Project
  - GNU Emacs (preferred)
- Related items:
  - emacs-dirvish (file manager based on dired mode)
  - ranger.el (file manager for Emacs)

### Development and Licensing
- Developer: Stan Kugell
- License: GNU General Public License, version 3.0
- Movement: free software movement
- Copyright status: copyrighted

### Platform and Operating Systems
- Platform: GNU Emacs
- Operating systems:
  - Unix-like operating system
  - Microsoft Windows
  - macOS

### Versions and Documentation
- Version: 7.17 (stable version), dated 2009-07-30
- User manual: https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Dired.html
- Website: http://www.deinprogramm.de/sperber/software/dired/
- Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Emacs_Dired_buffers.png

## Schema Markup
```json
{
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Dired",
  "description": "Dired is a file system directory editor and file manager for GNU Emacs.",
  "url": "http://www.deinprogramm.de/sperber/software/dired/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dired",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120430"
  ],
  "additionalType": "file manager"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013