# Gaby

> software written by Frederic Peters

**Wikidata**: [Q126937265](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126937265)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gaby

## Summary
Gaby is a free and open-source address book application written by Frederic Peters, designed for Linux systems. Licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.0, it provided a simple contact management solution using the GTK toolkit. The software was part of Debian repositories from 1999 to 2009.

## Key Facts
- **Creator**: Written by Frederic Peters.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **Latest Version**: 2.0.3 (available at http://www.0d.be/projects/gaby/archives/gaby-2.0.3.tar.gz).
- **Platform**: Primarily developed for Linux (as of 1998).
- **GUI Toolkit**: Built using GTK.
- **Debian Package**: Included in Debian repositories from June 12, 1999, to November 13, 2009.
- **Website**: Official site at https://www.0d.be/projects/gaby/ (in English).
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted software.

## FAQs
### Q: Who created Gaby?
A: Gaby was written by Frederic Peters, a developer of free software applications.

### Q: What license does Gaby use?
A: Gaby is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.0, ensuring users can run, modify, and distribute the software.

### Q: Is Gaby still actively maintained?
A: As of 2009, Gaby was removed from Debian repositories, indicating it is no longer actively maintained, though the final version (2.0.3) remains available.

## Why It Matters
Gaby represents an early effort to create user-friendly, open-source productivity tools for Linux environments. At a time when graphical interfaces for Linux were evolving, Gaby provided a straightforward address book solution using the GTK toolkit, aligning with the growing adoption of free software principles. Its inclusion in Debian repositories for over a decade highlighted its utility for users needing basic contact management. While no longer maintained, Gaby exemplifies the collaborative and transparent development ethos of free software, offering a historical snapshot of early Linux application development.

## Notable For
- **Early GTK Adoption**: One of the first applications to utilize the GTK toolkit, contributing to the ecosystem around the GNOME desktop environment.
- **Debian Integration**: Featured in Debian repositories for 10 years, ensuring broad accessibility for Linux users.
- **GPLv2 Licensing**: A clear commitment to free software ideals, allowing users to modify and redistribute the code.

## Body
### Development History
Gaby was developed by Frederic Peters as a lightweight address book application. The software was first included in Debian repositories on June 12, 1999, and remained available until November 13, 2009. Its final version, 2.0.3, was released and archived on the official project website.

### Technical Details
- **Platform**: Designed for Linux systems, with specific reference to GNU operating systems as of 1998.
- **GUI Toolkit**: Built using GTK, a popular toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces in Linux environments.
- **Functionality**: Focused on core address book features, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use.

### Licensing and Distribution
Gaby was distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0, ensuring compliance with free software standards. This license permitted users to modify, share, and build upon the software, fostering community engagement and transparency.

### Legacy
Though no longer maintained, Gaby is documented in academic and technical sources such as *Gaby and Notes-Mode Revisited*. Its role as an early free software application underscores its contribution to the growth of open-source tools for Linux, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The project’s website and archived files remain accessible for historical and developmental reference.

## References

1. Free Software Directory
2. Gaby and Notes-Mode Revisited