# Gmerlin

> multimedia framework

**Wikidata**: [Q123819676](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123819676)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gmerlin

## Summary
Gmerlin is a free multimedia framework and media player software for Linux, distributed under the GNU General Public License and designed to handle various multimedia formats and playback needs.

## Key Facts
- Gmerlin is classified as free software distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change and distribute it and modified versions.
- It is a multimedia framework and media player software that runs on Linux operating systems.
- The software was published on May 15, 2001.
- It is available as an Ubuntu package named gmerlin and as a Debian stable package with the same name.
- The source code is hosted on Apache Subversion repository at https://svn.code.sf.net/p/gmerlin/code/trunk/.
- It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- The project has an English-language website at https://gmerlin.sourceforge.net/.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Gmerlin used for?
A: Gmerlin is a multimedia framework and media player software used for playing various multimedia formats on Linux systems.

### Q: What operating system does Gmerlin run on?
A: Gmerlin runs on Linux, a family of Unix-like operating systems.

### Q: What is the license under which Gmerlin is distributed?
A: Gmerlin is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

## Why It Matters
Gmerlin represents an important contribution to the free software ecosystem for multimedia handling on Linux systems. As a multimedia framework and media player, it provides users with an alternative to proprietary media solutions, enabling them to play various audio and video formats while maintaining control over their software through open-source principles. The framework's design allows developers to build upon its capabilities for creating specialized media applications, contributing to the broader Linux multimedia ecosystem and supporting users who prefer free and open-source alternatives to commercial media players.

## Notable For
- Gmerlin was one of the early multimedia frameworks specifically designed for Linux systems, providing a comprehensive solution for media playback and handling.
- It offers a complete multimedia framework with media player capabilities, distinguishing it from many specialized media players that lack underlying framework functionality.
- The project maintains an active source code repository on Apache Subversion, supporting ongoing development and community contributions.
- Gmerlin is available through major Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenSUSE, indicating its integration into the broader Linux software ecosystem.
- The framework's design allows for customization and extension, enabling developers to create specialized media applications built upon its core functionality.

## Body
### Technical Overview
Gmerlin is a multimedia framework that provides comprehensive support for audio and video playback on Linux systems. The framework includes a media player application and underlying libraries that handle various multimedia formats. It was developed using the programming language indicated by its source code repository and is designed to be extensible for specialized media applications.

### Distribution and Availability
The software is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later. It is packaged and maintained in major Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenSUSE. The Ubuntu package is named gmerlin, while the Debian stable package also uses the same name. The OpenSUSE package is named gavl, which appears to be a component or related library within the Gmerlin ecosystem.

### Development and Community
Gmerlin's source code is maintained through an Apache Subversion repository located at https://svn.code.sf.net/p/gmerlin/code/trunk/. The project has an English-language website at https://gmerlin.sourceforge.net/, which serves as the primary information and download point for users. The framework's development has been ongoing since its initial publication in 2001, with continued maintenance and updates through the years.

### Licensing and Legal Status
Gmerlin is copyrighted software distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. This license allows users to freely run, study, change and distribute the software and modified versions. The project maintains compliance with free software principles, ensuring that users have full control over the software they use and can modify it according to their needs.

### Integration with Linux Ecosystem
As a Linux-specific multimedia framework, Gmerlin is designed to work seamlessly with the Linux operating system and its associated software ecosystem. It leverages Linux's underlying multimedia capabilities while providing a user-friendly interface for media playback. The framework's design allows it to integrate with other Linux applications and system components, providing a cohesive multimedia experience for users.

## References

1. [Source](https://changelogs.ubuntu.com/changelogs/pool/universe/g/gmerlin/gmerlin_2.0.0~svn6298~dfsg0-3/copyright)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20010611002945/https://gmerlin.sourceforge.net/)