# GNU epsilon

> purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q50378369](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50378369)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnu-epsilon

## Summary
GNU epsilon is a purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order programming language. Created by Luca Saiu, it is an official GNU package and operates under the principles of the free software movement. Its inception dates back to 2002.

## Key Facts
- GNU epsilon is a purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order programming language.
- It was created, developed, and is maintained by Luca Saiu.
- The language had its inception in 2002.
- GNU epsilon is part of the GNU Project and is classified as a GNU package and free software.
- Its official website is https://www.gnu.org/software/epsilon/.
- Copyright holders include Luca Saiu and Paris North University (Université Paris 13, as of 2012).
- It is distinct from another entity named "EPSILON".
- Source code repositories are available on GNU Savannah, including http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/epsilon.git.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is GNU epsilon?
A: GNU epsilon is a purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order programming language. It is categorized as a functional programming language and is also free software.

### Q: Who developed and maintains GNU epsilon?
A: GNU epsilon was created, developed, and is maintained by Luca Saiu. Saiu is a computer scientist, free software hacker, and GNU maintainer.

### Q: When was GNU epsilon first released or developed?
A: GNU epsilon had its inception in 2002. It is part of the GNU Project, which itself was initiated in 1983.

### Q: Is GNU epsilon considered free software?
A: Yes, GNU epsilon is free software and is a component of the free software movement. It is also officially recognized as a GNU package.

### Q: Where can I find the official website and source code for GNU epsilon?
A: The official website for GNU epsilon is https://www.gnu.org/software/epsilon/. Its source code is hosted on GNU Savannah, with repositories such as http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/epsilon.git.

## Why It Matters
GNU epsilon is significant as a specialized programming language that embodies the principles of the free software movement. As a purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order language, it offers a distinct paradigm for software development, catering to specific computational needs and academic interests. Its creation by Luca Saiu, a prominent computer scientist and GNU maintainer, and its integration into the GNU Project, highlight its commitment to open-source values and community-driven development. By being a GNU package, it contributes to the broader ecosystem of free software tools, reinforcing the project's mission to provide a complete, user-controlled computing environment. GNU epsilon's status as free software ensures that users have the fundamental freedoms to run, study, modify, and distribute the software, fostering transparency, collaboration, and innovation within the functional programming and free software communities.

## Notable For
- Being a purely-functional, strongly-typed, omega-order programming language.
- Its development and ongoing maintenance by Luca Saiu, a distinguished computer scientist and GNU maintainer.
- Its official status as a GNU package, aligning with the free software movement's principles.
- Having its inception in 2002, contributing to the diversity of programming languages available within the GNU ecosystem.

## Body

### Overview
GNU epsilon is a programming language defined by its purely-functional, strongly-typed, and omega-order characteristics. It is classified as a functional programming language and operates within the framework of the free software movement.

### Development and History
The inception of GNU epsilon occurred in 2002. It was created, developed, and is actively maintained by Luca Saiu. Luca Saiu is a computer scientist, a free software hacker, and a GNU maintainer, with a history of involvement in free software activism since 1995.

### Affiliation and Licensing
GNU epsilon is an official part of the GNU Project, a free software initiative that began on September 27, 1983. It is categorized as a GNU package and is distributed as free software. The copyright for GNU epsilon is held by Luca Saiu and Paris North University (stated as Université Paris 13 in 2012), and the software is copyrighted.

### Technical Specifications
The core attributes of GNU epsilon include:
*   **Purely-functional:** Emphasizes the evaluation of functions, avoiding mutable data and side effects.
*   **Strongly-typed:** Enforces strict type rules at compile time, reducing runtime errors.
*   **Omega-order:** Implies a high level of abstraction and expressiveness in its type system.
GNU epsilon is explicitly noted to be different from an entity named "EPSILON".

### Resources and Community
The official website for GNU epsilon is accessible at https://www.gnu.org/software/epsilon/, with content available in English.
Source code repositories are hosted on GNU Savannah:
*   Preferred repository: http://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/epsilon.git
*   Alternative repository: https://git.savannah.gnu.org/gitweb/?p=epsilon.git
The project's unique identifier on GNU Savannah is "epsilon".
A mailing list archive for developers is available at https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/epsilon-devel/.
GNU epsilon is also listed in the Free Software Directory.

## References

1. Free Software Directory
2. [GNU's Who](https://www.gnu.org/people/people.html#l)
3. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/epsilon.git/tree/AUTHORS)
4. [Source](https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/epsilon-devel)