# Greenfoot > integrated development environment for graphical applications **Wikidata**: [Q1133923](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1133923) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenfoot) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/greenfoot ## Summary Greenfoot is a free software integrated development environment (IDE) designed specifically for creating graphical applications. It is written in Java and runs on the Java virtual machine, allowing users to develop software under the GNU General Public License. The platform was created by Michael Kölling, a German computer scientist. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** Greenfoot is a free software integrated development environment tailored for graphical applications. - **Developer:** Created by Michael Kölling, a German computer scientist and university teacher born in 1970. - **Technical Basis:** The software utilizes the Java programming language (inception 1995) and operates on the Java virtual machine platform. - **License:** It is distributed under the GNU General Public License. - **Latest Version:** Version 3.7.0 was released on June 14, 2021. - **File Formats:** The environment reads and writes "Greenfoot Project" and "Greenfoot Archive" file formats. - **Availability:** The software can be downloaded from its official website (greenfoot.org), Flathub (ID: org.greenfoot.Greenfoot), and the Arch User Repository (package: greenfoot). - **Social Presence:** The project maintains a Twitter account under the handle @GreenfootTeam. ## FAQs ### Q: Is Greenfoot free to use? A: Yes, Greenfoot is classified as free software distributed under the GNU General Public License. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. ### Q: Who created Greenfoot? A: Greenfoot was developed by Michael Kölling, a German computer scientist, engineer, and university teacher. ### Q: What programming language does Greenfoot use? A: Greenfoot uses Java, an object-oriented programming language, and runs on the Java virtual machine. ### Q: What are the most recent versions of Greenfoot? A: As of the latest available data, the stable version is 3.7.0, released on June 14, 2021. A previous version, 3.6.1, was released on December 19, 2019. ## Why It Matters Greenfoot serves a distinct role in the software ecosystem by bridging the gap between abstract code and visual interaction. While many integrated development environments focus solely on text-based coding, Greenfoot specializes in graphical applications, making the results of programming immediate and visible. This focus allows for a more interactive development process where users can see the effects of their code on graphical objects in real-time. The project is significant because it is maintained as free software under the GNU General Public License. This ensures that the tool remains accessible to a wide audience without licensing costs, while also granting users the legal right to study and modify the internal workings of the environment itself. Created by Michael Kölling, a computer scientist with expertise in engineering and education, the tool benefits from an academic foundation that prioritizes software design and usability. Its availability on multiple platforms, including the Java virtual machine and Flathub, further ensures that it can be utilized across different operating systems, reinforcing its utility as a versatile tool for graphical application development. ## Notable For - **Graphical Focus:** Unlike standard text-based IDEs, it is specifically structured for developing graphical applications. - **Open Source Freedom:** It is fully free software under the GNU General Public License, granting extensive rights to users regarding modification and redistribution. - **Academic Pedigree:** The software was created by Michael Kölling, a computer scientist and university teacher, reflecting a design rooted in educational and engineering principles. - **Cross-Platform Distribution:** It is widely accessible via Flathub and the Arch User Repository, alongside its official website. ## Body ### Development and Creator Greenfoot was developed by Michael Kölling, a German computer scientist born in 1970. Kölling is also recognized as an engineer and university teacher. The software reflects his background in computer science, offering an environment that combines technical robustness with usability. ### Technical Specifications Greenfoot is built using Java, an object-oriented programming language that originated in 1995. Consequently, the platform runs on the Java virtual machine. It is designed to handle specific file formats known as "Greenfoot Project" and "Greenfoot Archive," serving as both the readable and writable formats for the software. ### Licensing and Status The software is formally classified as "free software." It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, which guarantees users the freedom to run, study, copy, and modify the software. The copyright status is listed as copyrighted, consistent with its open-source licensing terms. It is categorized as an "instance of" both free software and an integrated development environment. ### Release History The software has undergone several updates, with the following notable releases documented: - **Version 3.7.0:** Released on June 14, 2021. - **Version 3.6.1:** A stable version released on December 19, 2019. ### Distribution and Identifiers Greenfoot is distributed through various channels. Its official website is https://greenfoot.org. It is also available through package managers and repositories, identified by the Flathub ID `org.greenfoot.Greenfoot` and the Arch User Repository package name `greenfoot`. The project maintains a social media presence via the Twitter handle `@GreenfootTeam`. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.greenfoot.org/version_history) 2. [Source](https://www.greenfoot.org/version_history) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Quora