# ELM

> text-based email client for Unix-like systems

**Wikidata**: [Q1332651](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1332651)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elm_(email_client))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elm-q1332651

## Summary
ELM is a text-based email client designed for Unix-like operating systems, functioning as a Mail User Agent (MUA). Initially released in 1986, it is distributed as free software under BSD licenses and is notable for its command-line interface and compatibility with various BSD variants.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Free software; Email client (Mail User Agent).
- **Inception:** 1986.
- **License:** BSD licenses.
- **Interface:** Text-based (Command Line Interface).
- **Latest Stable Version:** 2.5.8 (released August 18, 2005).
- **Target Operating System:** Unix-like systems, specifically compatible with BSD (FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD).
- **Official Website:** http://www.instinct.org/elm/
- **Source Code Repository:** Available via HTTP at `http://www.instinct.org/elm/files/tarballs/elm2.5.8.tar.gz`.
- **Aliases:** Elm (e-mail client), ELectronic Mail, 電子郵件.

## FAQs
### Q: What is ELM used for?
A: ELM is used for sending and receiving electronic mail on Unix-like systems. It operates as a text-based mail user agent, allowing users to manage email via a command-line interface.

### Q: Is ELM free to use?
A: Yes, ELM is classified as free software. It is distributed under BSD licenses, which permit users to run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: What is the most recent version of ELM?
A: The most recent stable version is 2.5.8, which was released on August 18, 2005.

## Why It Matters
ELM holds a significant place in the history of internet communication as one of the early widely-used email clients for the Unix environment. Originating in 1986, it provided a crucial text-based interface for managing electronic mail during a formative era of the internet, particularly in academic and research settings where Unix systems were dominant.

Its design as a screen-oriented user interface was a substantial improvement over the line-oriented mailers of its time, influencing the design of subsequent email clients. The software's longevity is evidenced by its continued availability and maintenance within BSD ports (FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD) decades after its inception. As free software, it exemplifies the open-source development model, allowing for broad adoption and modification within the Unix community.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance:** Established in 1986, making it one of the earlier enduring email clients for Unix.
- **Accessibility:** Distributed as free software under permissive BSD licenses.
- **Unix Integration:** Specifically designed for Unix-like systems with dedicated ports for FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD.
- **Interface:** Utilizes a text-based interface optimized for terminal environments.
- **Multilingual Recognition:** Cataloged under multiple titles including "ELectronic Mail" and "電子郵件" (Chinese).

## Body

### Development and Licensing
ELM was created in 1986 to serve the needs of Unix users requiring a robust electronic mail system. It is developed as free software, allowing users the freedom to run, study, and modify the program. The software is released under the BSD licenses, a family of permissive free software licenses.

The most recent stable release is version 2.5.8, which was published on August 18, 2005. The source code for this version is publicly accessible via the official website.

### Technical Specifications
Functioning as a Mail User Agent (MUA), ELM provides users with the capability to compose, send, receive, and organize emails. Unlike graphical email clients, ELM is text-based, relying on character-based terminal interfaces. This makes it lightweight and efficient for server environments or remote sessions where graphical interfaces are unavailable.

**System Requirements:**
- **Platform:** Unix-like operating systems.
- **Compatibility:** Explicit support and packages are available for BSD variants, including:
    - FreeBSD (port: `mail/elm`)
    - NetBSD (package: `mail/elm`)
    - OpenBSD (port: `mail/elm`)

### Availability and Resources
The software is maintained online at its official website, hosted by instinct.org. Users can download the software directly via HTTP from the repository link provided on the site. The project has a global presence, with Wikipedia entries available in seven languages, including English, German, Russian, and Chinese.

## References

1. [ELM - Electronic Mail for UNIX](http://www.instinct.org/elm/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013