# HeliBoard

> free and open source keyboard app for Android; fork of OpenBoard

**Wikidata**: [Q132361293](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132361293)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeliBoard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heliboard

## Summary
HeliBoard is a free and open-source keyboard app for Android, forked from OpenBoard. It provides users with a customizable virtual keyboard while adhering to the principles of free software, allowing modification and redistribution under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

## Key Facts
- Free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0
- Fork of OpenBoard, replacing it as an Android keyboard app
- Runs on Android, the mobile operating system developed by Google
- Written primarily in Java, an object-oriented programming language
- Available for download via the IzzyOnDroid F-Droid Repository
- Features a touchscreen-based input method
- Source code hosted on GitHub under the username Helium314
- Supports English translations and documentation
- Part of the broader category of virtual keyboards for mobile devices

## FAQs
### Q: Is HeliBoard free to use?
A: Yes, HeliBoard is free and open-source software, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute it under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

### Q: What is the difference between HeliBoard and OpenBoard?
A: HeliBoard is a fork of OpenBoard, meaning it was created by modifying the original OpenBoard code. While both are free and open-source keyboard apps for Android, HeliBoard may include additional features or improvements over OpenBoard.

### Q: Can I customize HeliBoard?
A: Yes, as an open-source project, HeliBoard allows users to modify its source code to suit their needs, following the principles of free software.

### Q: Where can I download HeliBoard?
A: HeliBoard is available for download through the IzzyOnDroid F-Droid Repository, a trusted source for free and open-source Android apps.

### Q: What programming language was HeliBoard written in?
A: HeliBoard was primarily developed using Java, an object-oriented programming language.

## Why It Matters
HeliBoard plays a significant role in the free and open-source software (FOSS) community by providing users with an alternative to proprietary keyboard apps. By being a fork of OpenBoard, it inherits the principles of open-source development, allowing users to access, modify, and distribute the software freely. This aligns with the broader movement of promoting digital freedom and transparency. Additionally, HeliBoard contributes to the ecosystem of Android keyboards, offering users a customizable and open alternative to commercial options. Its availability on platforms like F-Droid ensures that users can access it without compromising their privacy or control over their devices. By supporting open-source development, HeliBoard empowers users to take ownership of their software and participate in the collaborative improvement of technology.

## Notable For
- Being a fork of OpenBoard, it inherits the open-source principles and community-driven development model
- Available on F-Droid, a repository for free and open-source Android apps, ensuring accessibility to users who prioritize privacy and control
- Written in Java, leveraging the language's object-oriented features for robust and maintainable code
- Supports English translations and documentation, making it accessible to a global audience
- Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, which ensures users' freedom to use, modify, and share the software

## Body
### Overview
HeliBoard is a free and open-source keyboard application designed for Android devices. It was developed as a fork of OpenBoard, inheriting its core functionality while allowing for further customization and development. The app is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, ensuring that users retain the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute the software.

### Development and Release
HeliBoard was created by modifying the source code of OpenBoard, a project that began in 2013. The fork was initiated by the developer Helium314, who made the source code available on GitHub. This open-source approach allows users to contribute to the project, report issues, and suggest improvements.

### Technical Specifications
HeliBoard is primarily written in Java, an object-oriented programming language known for its versatility and widespread use in Android development. The app is designed to work with touchscreen input, providing users with a familiar and intuitive interface. It is compatible with Android, the mobile operating system developed by Google, which was first released on September 23, 2008.

### Distribution and Accessibility
HeliBoard is available for download through the IzzyOnDroid F-Droid Repository, a trusted source for free and open-source Android apps. F-Droid is a repository that focuses on providing users with access to high-quality, privacy-respecting software. The app is also listed on AlternativeTo, a platform that helps users find open-source alternatives to proprietary software.

### Community and Support
The HeliBoard project benefits from an active community of developers and users who contribute to its development. The project's documentation and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available in English, making it accessible to a global audience. Users can report issues or request features through the project's GitHub repository, ensuring that the software evolves in response to user needs.

### Licensing and Copyright
HeliBoard is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, which ensures that users have the freedom to use, modify, and share the software. The project is copyrighted, with the source code hosted on GitHub under the username Helium314. This open licensing model aligns with the principles of free software, promoting transparency and collaboration.

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