# Frotz

> interactive fiction interpreter

**Wikidata**: [Q116689500](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116689500)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frotz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frotz

## Summary
Frotz is a cross-platform, free software interactive fiction interpreter designed to run games for the Z-machine, a virtual machine used in text-based adventure games. Released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, Frotz is widely available across multiple operating systems and package managers, making it a foundational tool for playing classic interactive fiction.

## Key Facts
- Frotz is an interactive fiction interpreter that implements the Z-machine, enabling the playback of text-based adventure games.
- It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- Frotz is cross-platform, compatible with multiple operating systems and computing platforms.
- The official website for Frotz is [https://davidgriffith.gitlab.io/frotz/](https://davidgriffith.gitlab.io/frotz/).
- The source code repository is hosted at [https://gitlab.com/DavidGriffith/frotz](https://gitlab.com/DavidGriffith/frotz).
- Frotz is available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Fedora, Gentoo, Mageia, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux.
- It is also available through macOS package managers like Homebrew and MacPorts.
- Frotz has been ported to FreeBSD and is listed on SourceForge and Open Source Development Network (OSDN).
- The project is referenced in HowLongToBeat and LibreGameWiki, indicating its relevance in the interactive fiction community.
- Frotz is copyrighted and maintained as an open-source project.

## FAQs
**What is Frotz used for?**
Frotz is used to interpret and run interactive fiction games designed for the Z-machine, a virtual machine that powers classic text-based adventure games.

**Is Frotz free to use?**
Yes, Frotz is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

**On which platforms can Frotz be used?**
Frotz is cross-platform and can be installed on various operating systems, including Linux distributions like Fedora, Gentoo, Mageia, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux, as well as macOS through Homebrew and MacPorts.

**Where can I download Frotz?**
Frotz can be downloaded from its official website, source code repository, or through package managers for supported operating systems.

**Is Frotz still actively maintained?**
While specific maintenance details are not provided, Frotz is available in package repositories and has been referenced in community platforms, indicating ongoing support.

## Why It Matters
Frotz plays a crucial role in preserving and playing classic interactive fiction games, which are a form of text-based adventure games. By implementing the Z-machine, Frotz ensures compatibility with a vast library of games that would otherwise be inaccessible without specialized software. Its cross-platform nature and free software licensing make it accessible to a wide audience, fostering a community around interactive fiction. Additionally, Frotz’s presence in package managers and community platforms like LibreGameWiki highlights its significance in the interactive fiction ecosystem.

## Notable For
- Frotz is a widely used interpreter for the Z-machine, enabling playback of classic interactive fiction games.
- It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, ensuring free access and modification rights for users.
- Frotz is available across multiple operating systems and package managers, including Linux distributions and macOS.
- The project is referenced in community platforms like HowLongToBeat and LibreGameWiki, indicating its relevance in the interactive fiction community.
- Frotz is maintained as an open-source project, with its source code available for further development and customization.

## Body
### Overview
Frotz is an interactive fiction interpreter that implements the Z-machine, a virtual machine used in text-based adventure games. It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, ensuring users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software.

### Compatibility and Availability
Frotz is cross-platform, compatible with multiple operating systems and computing platforms. It is available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Fedora, Gentoo, Mageia, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux. Additionally, Frotz is available through macOS package managers like Homebrew and MacPorts. It has been ported to FreeBSD and is listed on SourceForge and Open Source Development Network (OSDN).

### Community and References
Frotz is referenced in community platforms like HowLongToBeat and LibreGameWiki, indicating its relevance in the interactive fiction community. The project is maintained as an open-source project, with its source code available for further development and customization.

### Legal and Licensing
Frotz is copyrighted and distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software. The official website for Frotz is [https://davidgriffith.gitlab.io/frotz/](https://davidgriffith.gitlab.io/frotz/), and the source code repository is hosted at [https://gitlab.com/DavidGriffith/frotz](https://gitlab.com/DavidGriffith/frotz).

### Technical Implementation
Frotz implements the Z-machine, a virtual machine used in interactive fiction games. This allows it to interpret and run games designed for the Z-machine, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of classic text-based adventure games. The project is maintained as an open-source project, with its source code available for further development and customization.