# FreeFem++

> Programming and software language

**Wikidata**: [Q5499643](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5499643)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeFem++)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freefem

## Summary
FreeFem++ is a programming language and software application designed for scientific computation. Originally published in 1987, it is developed by Pierre and Marie Curie University along with contributors Frédéric Hecht and Pierre Jolivet. The software is open-source, operating under the GNU Lesser General Public License, and is primarily used on Linux systems.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** FreeFem++ is an instance of both a programming language and software.
- **Initial Release:** The publication date for the software is 1987.
- **Developer:** The project is maintained by Pierre and Marie Curie University, Frédéric Hecht, and Pierre Jolivet.
- **License:** It is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).
- **Operating System:** The software is compatible with Linux.
- **Official Website:** The project is hosted at http://www.freefem.org.
- **GUI Framework:** The software utilizes the Qt framework for its graphical user interface.
- **Aliases:** The tool is also known simply as "Freefem."
- **Package Distribution:** It is available as a Debian stable package (`freefem++`) and via Chocolatey (`freefemplusplus`).

## FAQs
### Q: What is FreeFem++ used for?
A: FreeFem++ is used for scientific applications, functioning as both a programming language and a software tool to communicate instructions to a machine.

### Q: Who created and maintains FreeFem++?
A: The software was originally developed by Pierre and Marie Curie University, with significant contributions from developers Frédéric Hecht and Pierre Jolivet.

### Q: Under what license is FreeFem++ distributed?
A: FreeFem++ is distributed as free software under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).

## Why It Matters
FreeFem++ occupies a specific and enduring niche in the landscape of scientific computing. With its origins dating back to 1987, it represents a longstanding effort to provide specialized computational tools for academic and research environments. Its dual classification as both a programming language and a software suite allows it to serve as a comprehensive environment for users who need to solve complex scientific problems.

The tool's significance is further underscored by its association with major academic institutions like Pierre and Marie Curie University, ensuring that it is grounded in rigorous research methodologies. By adopting the GNU Lesser General Public License, the developers have ensured that the software remains accessible to a wide audience of scientists and students, fostering collaboration and modification without the barriers of proprietary software. Its integration into standard Linux repositories (via Debian) and availability through community package managers like Chocolatey highlights its utility and adoption within the technical community. It serves as a vital bridge between theoretical science and computational execution.

## Notable For
- **Longevity:** The project has been active since its publication in 1987, demonstrating decades of relevance in scientific computing.
- **Academic Pedigree:** It is developed and maintained by a major research institution (Pierre and Marie Curie University) and specific experts in the field.
- **Hybrid Functionality:** It is distinctively categorized as both a full programming language and a standalone software application.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Unlike many proprietary scientific tools, it is fully open-source under the LGPL.

## Body
### Development and History
FreeFem++ was initially published in 1987. The project is a product of Pierre and Marie Curie University (also known as UPMC). Key figures in its ongoing development include Frédéric Hecht and Pierre Jolivet. It is classified within knowledge bases as an instance of a "programming language" and "software," serving as a language for communicating instructions to a machine specifically for scientific purposes.

### Technical Specifications
The software is primarily designed to run on the Linux operating system. It is built upon a programming language implementation identified by the identifier Q2407. For its user interface, FreeFem++ utilizes the Qt framework or toolkit.

### Distribution and Licensing
FreeFem++ is accessible to the public under the GNU Lesser General Public License. The official website is hosted in English at http://www.freefem.org.
*   **Debian:** Users can install the software via the `freefem++` package in the Debian stable repository.
*   **Chocolatey:** It is also available for Windows users through the Chocolatey community package manager with the ID `freefemplusplus`.

### Identity and Resources
The project is tracked in various software and knowledge directories.
*   **Titles and Aliases:** It is titled "FreeFem++" and aliased as "Freefem."
*   **Identifiers:** Its Freebase ID is `/m/0gyrzn0`, and its swMATH work ID is `01436`.
*   **Documentation:** The software has a dedicated Wikipedia page available in six languages (Commons, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Farsi).

## References

1. [Source](https://freefem.org/)