# emacs-ggtags

> Emacs frontend to the GNU Global source code tagging system

**Wikidata**: [Q111817597](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111817597)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emacs-ggtags

## Summary
Emacs-ggtags is a free software package that provides an Emacs frontend to the GNU Global source code tagging system. It allows developers to navigate and manage codebases more efficiently by integrating GNU Global's tagging capabilities directly within the Emacs editor. The project was first released in 2013 and is distributed through GNU ELPA and MELPA.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Emacs frontend for GNU Global source code tagging system
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL)
- **First Release**: January 29, 2013
- **Latest Stable Version**: 0.9.0 (March 27, 2021)
- **Programming Language**: Emacs Lisp
- **Platform**: GNU Emacs
- **Distributed By**: GNU ELPA, MELPA
- **Operating System**: GNU/Linux
- **Copyright Holder**: Free Software Foundation (FSF)
- **Aliases**: ggtags, elpa-ggtags
- **Part of**: GNU Project

## FAQs
### Q: What is emacs-ggtags used for?
A: Emacs-ggtags is used to enhance code navigation in GNU Emacs by integrating the GNU Global tagging system, which helps developers quickly locate and jump between functions, variables, and other code elements.

### Q: How do I install emacs-ggtags?
A: You can install emacs-ggtags through GNU ELPA or MELPA by using the package manager within Emacs or by downloading the package directly from the GNU ELPA repository.

### Q: Is emacs-ggtags free software?
A: Yes, emacs-ggtags is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: What is the difference between emacs-ggtags and gtags-mode?
A: Emacs-ggtags is a frontend specifically designed for GNU Global, while gtags-mode is a more general-purpose tagging system for Emacs that supports multiple tagging backends.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for emacs-ggtags?
A: The source code for emacs-ggtags is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags) and is also distributed through GNU ELPA.

## Why It Matters
Emacs-ggtags plays a crucial role in the GNU Project by providing a seamless integration of GNU Global's tagging system within the GNU Emacs editor. This integration enhances developer productivity by enabling efficient code navigation and management. The tool is particularly valuable for large codebases, where understanding and navigating the code structure can be complex. By leveraging GNU Global's robust tagging capabilities, emacs-ggtags helps developers spend less time searching for code elements and more time writing and maintaining code. Its availability through GNU ELPA and MELPA ensures widespread adoption and ease of use for Emacs users. The project's adherence to free software principles ensures that it remains accessible and modifiable by the community, fostering innovation and collaboration.

## Notable For
- **Integration**: Provides a direct frontend for GNU Global within Emacs, combining the strengths of both tools.
- **Free Software**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, ensuring it remains free and open-source.
- **Community-Driven**: Maintained by the community and available through popular package repositories like GNU ELPA and MELPA.
- **Cross-Platform**: Works on GNU/Linux and other Unix-like systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- **Active Development**: Regular updates and releases, with the latest stable version being 0.9.0 from 2021.

## Body
### Overview
Emacs-ggtags is an Emacs Lisp package that serves as a frontend to the GNU Global source code tagging system. It was first released in January 2013 and is part of the GNU Project. The package is designed to enhance code navigation within GNU Emacs by leveraging GNU Global's tagging capabilities.

### Development and Distribution
The project is developed by the community and is distributed through GNU ELPA and MELPA. The source code is hosted on GitHub and is also available through GNU Savannah. The package is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring it remains free and open-source.

### Versions and Releases
Emacs-ggtags has undergone several releases, with the latest stable version being 0.9.0, released on March 27, 2021. Previous versions include 0.8.13 (July 25, 2018) and various 0.7.x releases from 2013 to 2014. The package is regularly updated to improve functionality and compatibility.

### Technical Details
The package is written in Emacs Lisp and is designed to work within the GNU Emacs editor. It integrates with GNU Global, a source code tagging system that helps developers navigate and manage large codebases. The tool is particularly useful for developers working on complex projects where understanding the code structure is essential.

### Usage and Benefits
Emacs-ggtags provides several benefits, including:
- **Efficient Code Navigation**: Quickly locate and jump between functions, variables, and other code elements.
- **Improved Productivity**: Reduce the time spent searching for code elements, allowing developers to focus more on writing and maintaining code.
- **Integration with GNU Global**: Leverage the robust tagging capabilities of GNU Global within the Emacs environment.

### Community and Support
The project is maintained by the community and is supported through various channels, including GitHub and GNU ELPA. Users can contribute to the project, report issues, and request features, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to changing needs.

### Availability
Emacs-ggtags is available for download through GNU ELPA and MELPA, making it easily accessible to Emacs users. The source code is also available on GitHub, allowing for further customization and development. The package is compatible with GNU/Linux and other Unix-like systems, ensuring wide accessibility.

## References

1. [Source](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/ggtags.html)
2. [Source](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/blob/master/ggtags.el)
3. [ggtags version 0.8.13. 2018](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2018-07/msg00011.html)
4. [Release 0.8.13. 2018](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.13)
5. [Ggtags version 0.9.0. 2021](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2021-03/msg00041.html)
6. [Release 0.7.1. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.1)
7. [Release 0.7.3. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.3)
8. [Release 0.7.4. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.4)
9. [Release 0.7.6. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.6)
10. [Release 0.7.7. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.7)
11. [Release 0.7.8. 2013](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.8)
12. [Release 0.7.11. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/v0.7.11)
13. [Release 0.8.0. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.0)
14. [Release 0.8.1. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.1)
15. [Release 0.8.2. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.2)
16. [Release 0.8.3. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.3)
17. [Release 0.8.4. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.4)
18. [Release 0.8.5. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.5)
19. [Release 0.8.6. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.6)
20. [Release 0.8.7. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.7)
21. [Release 0.8.8. 2014](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.8)
22. [Release 0.8.9. 2015](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.9)
23. [Release 0.8.10. 2015](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.10)
24. [Release 0.8.11. 2015](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.11)
25. [Release 0.8.12. 2016](https://github.com/leoliu/ggtags/releases/tag/0.8.12)
26. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/trixie/ggtags)