# fq

> open source software tool for parsing binary file formats

**Wikidata**: [Q119013610](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119013610)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fq

## Summary
fq is an open-source software tool designed for parsing binary file formats, written in the Go programming language. Inspired by the JSON-focused language jq, fq provides a specialized solution for working with binary data. It is released under the MIT License, enabling free use, modification, and distribution.

## Key Facts
- **License**: MIT License (verified as of 2023-06-03 via GitHub repository).
- **Programming Language**: Developed in Go.
- **Initial Release**: Version 0.0.1 was released on 2021-12-03.
- **Latest Version**: 0.6.0 (released 2023-05-17).
- **Inspiration**: Based on and named after jq, a tool for JSON processing.
- **Repository**: Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/wader/fq.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What is fq used for?
A: fq is used for parsing and processing binary file formats, offering a command-line tool for inspecting and manipulating binary data structures.

### Q: Why was fq created?
A: fq was created to address the need for a dedicated tool to work with binary formats, drawing inspiration from the JSON-focused jq but tailored for binary data.

### Q: Is fq free to use?
A: Yes, fq is free software released under the MIT License, allowing users to run, modify, and distribute the software.

## Why It Matters
fq fills a critical niche in software development and data analysis by providing a flexible, open-source solution for parsing binary formats. Binary data is foundational to many applications, from networking protocols to embedded systems, yet working with it can be complex and error-prone. By adapting the philosophy of jq—a popular tool for JSON—to the binary domain, fq simplifies tasks such as reverse engineering, debugging, and data extraction. Its use of the Go programming language ensures efficiency and cross-platform compatibility, while its MIT License fosters collaboration and integration into larger projects. As data formats evolve, tools like fq empower developers to inspect and manipulate binary structures with precision, contributing to more robust and interoperable software ecosystems.

## Notable For
- **Binary Focus**: Specializes in parsing binary formats, distinguishing it from text-centric tools like jq.
- **Go Implementation**: Leverages Go’s efficiency and modern language features for reliable performance.
- **MIT License**: Permissive licensing encourages adoption and community-driven development.
- **Active Maintenance**: Regular version updates (e.g., 0.0.1 to 0.6.0) reflect ongoing improvements and community support.

## Body
### Overview
fq is a command-line tool for parsing and processing binary file formats. It enables users to decode, inspect, and transform binary data through a flexible, scriptable interface. The project emphasizes simplicity and extensibility, aligning with the open-source ethos of transparency and collaboration.

### Technical Details
- **Programming Language**: Written in Go, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and efficient execution.
- **Repository**: Source code and releases are hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/wader/fq.
- **Inspiration**: Modeled after jq’s approach to JSON data, but tailored for binary structures.

### Development History
- **Initial Release**: Version 0.0.1 debuted on 2021-12-03, establishing core functionality.
- **Iterative Updates**: Subsequent releases (e.g., 0.0.2 to 0.6.0) added features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations, with the latest version (0.6.0) released on 2023-05-17.

### Licensing
- **MIT License**: Grants users broad permissions to use, modify, and distribute the software, with minimal restrictions. License details are documented in the repository.

### Related Projects
- **jq**: A direct inspiration for fq, focusing on JSON data. While jq targets text-based formats, fq extends this paradigm to the binary domain.
- **Go Ecosystem**: Benefits from Go’s standard library and tooling, ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/wader/fq)
2. [Source](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wader/fq/master/LICENSE)
3. [Source](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
4. [Release 0.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.1)
5. [Release 0.0.2. 2021](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.2)
6. [Release 0.0.3. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.3)
7. [Release 0.0.4. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.4)
8. [Release 0.0.5. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.5)
9. [Release 0.0.6. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.6)
10. [Release 0.0.7. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.7)
11. [Release 0.0.8. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.8)
12. [Release 0.0.9. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.9)
13. [Release 0.0.10. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.0.10)
14. [Release 0.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
15. [Release 0.2.0. 2022](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.2.0)
16. [Release 0.3.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
17. [Release 0.4.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.4.0)
18. [Release 0.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
19. [Release 0.7.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.7.0)
20. [Release 0.8.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
21. [Release 0.9.0. 2023](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.9.0)
22. [Release 0.10.0. 2024](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.10.0)
23. [Release 0.11.0. 2024](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.11.0)
24. [Release 0.12.0. 2024](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.12.0)
25. [Release 0.13.0. 2024](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.13.0)
26. [Release 0.14.0. 2025](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
27. [Release 0.15.0. 2025](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
28. [Release 0.15.1. 2025](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.15.1)
29. [Release 0.16.0. 2025](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
30. [Release 0.17.0. 2026](https://github.com/wader/fq/releases/tag/v0.17.0)