# Emacs Org-Babel

> a literate programming tool integrated into the Org core at version 7.0

**Wikidata**: [Q113107632](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113107632)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emacs-org-babel

## Summary
Emacs Org-Babel is a literate programming tool integrated into the core of Org-mode, starting with version 7.0. It operates as a software library and mode within the GNU Emacs platform, allowing users to execute source code within organized documents. The tool was created and is maintained by computer scientist Eric Schulte.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Emacs Org-Babel is a literate programming tool, a software library, and an Emacs mode.
- **Integration:** It was integrated into the Org core at version 7.0.
- **Creator:** The tool was created by computer scientist Eric Schulte.
- **Maintainer:** It is currently maintained by Eric Schulte.
- **Platform:** It runs on GNU Emacs as part of Org-mode.
- **Aliases:** It is also known simply as "Babel" or "Org-Babel."
- **Software Type:** It is classified as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it.

## FAQs
### Q: Who created Emacs Org-Babel?
A: Emacs Org-Babel was created by Eric Schulte, a computer scientist. He is also responsible for maintaining the software.

### Q: When was Org-Babel integrated into Org-mode?
A: Org-Babel was integrated into the Org core at version 7.0. Before this integration, it functioned as a separate component.

### Q: What type of software is Emacs Org-Babel?
A: It is a free software library and Emacs mode that facilitates literate programming. It functions entirely within the GNU Emacs platform.

## Why It Matters
Emacs Org-Babel matters because it transforms Org-mode from a simple outlining and note-taking tool into a complete literate programming environment. By allowing the execution of source code directly within documentation, it bridges the gap between human-readable explanations and machine-executable code. This integration supports the philosophy of free software by empowering users to study and modify the tool to fit their specific workflows. Its inclusion in the Org core at version 7.0 standardized these capabilities for users, establishing a robust foundation for reproducible research and interactive documents within the GNU Emacs ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Core Integration:** Unlike many extensions, Org-Babel was integrated directly into the Org-mode core (version 7.0).
- **Literate Programming:** It brings literate programming capabilities—mixing code and prose—natively to the Emacs environment.
- **Free Software Principles:** It strictly adheres to free software definitions, granting users the freedom to study, modify, and redistribute the code.
- **Architectural Role:** It functions simultaneously as a software library, a specific Emacs mode, and a tool.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
Emacs Org-Babel is a software tool designed for literate programming. It is classified structurally as a software library, an Emacs mode, and free software. It is a distinct component of the larger Org-mode system, often referred to by the alias "Babel."

### Development and Creator
The tool was developed by Eric Schulte, a computer scientist. Schulte is credited as both the creator and the current maintainer of the software. Documentation regarding the tool is available in English on the official Org-mode website (orgmode.org), specifically within the `org-contrib/babel` directories.

### Platform and Integration
Org-Babel operates on the GNU Emacs platform. While it is a distinct tool, it is an integral part of Org-mode (referred to as `applies_to_part`: Org-mode). Historically, its status changed significantly when it was integrated into the Org core with the release of version 7.0, ensuring its availability as a standard feature rather than an external add-on.

## References

1. [Source](https://orgmode.org/worg/org-contrib/babel/index.html)