# KDE Plasma > graphical environments provided by the KDE community **Wikidata**: [Q107664269](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107664269) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE_Plasma) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kde-plasma ## Summary KDE Plasma is a free, open-source desktop environment developed by the KDE community, providing graphical user interfaces for Unix-like operating systems. It is part of the broader KDE ecosystem and is written primarily in C++ with QML for user interface components. The project is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, and has evolved through multiple major versions, including Plasma 4, Plasma 5, and Plasma 6. ## Key Facts - **Instance of**: User interface, free software, desktop environment, operating system shell - **Primary programming languages**: C++ (inception 1983), QML (inception 2009) - **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later - **Operating system compatibility**: BSD - **Major versions**: KDE Plasma 4 (inception 2008-01-11), Plasma 5, Plasma 6 - **Package names**: `plasma-desktop`, `plasma-workspace`, `plasma-workspace-git`, `plasma-desktop-git` - **Distributions**: Available in Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux - **Website**: [https://kde.org/plasma-desktop/](https://kde.org/plasma-desktop/) (English), [https://kde.org/tr/plasma-desktop/](https://kde.org/tr/plasma-desktop/) (Turkish) - **Source code repositories**: [GitHub](https://github.com/KDE/plasma-desktop), [KDE Invent](https://invent.kde.org/plasma/plasma-desktop) - **GUI toolkits**: Qt, KDE Frameworks - **Aliases**: Plasma Desktop, Plasma, KDE Plasma, بلازما, 플라스마 데스크탑 - **Wikipedia languages**: Arabic, Catalan, Czech, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Ido, Italian, Japanese, Malayalam, Norwegian, Quechua, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish, Tamil, Toki Pona, Turkish ## FAQs **What is KDE Plasma, and what does it do?** KDE Plasma is a free and open-source desktop environment developed by the KDE community. It provides graphical user interfaces for Unix-like operating systems, offering features such as customizable panels, widgets, and a desktop metaphor. It is part of the broader KDE ecosystem and is licensed under the GNU General Public License. **Which programming languages are used to develop KDE Plasma?** KDE Plasma is primarily written in C++, with QML used for user interface components. C++ was first developed in 1983, while QML was introduced in 2009. **What are the major versions of KDE Plasma?** The major versions of KDE Plasma include Plasma 4 (released 2008-01-11), Plasma 5, and Plasma 6. Each version represents significant updates and improvements to the desktop environment. **On which operating systems can KDE Plasma run?** KDE Plasma is compatible with BSD-based Unix-like operating systems. It is also available for distribution-specific packages in Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux. **What license governs KDE Plasma?** KDE Plasma is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and modified versions. ## Why It Matters KDE Plasma plays a crucial role in the open-source desktop environment ecosystem by providing a customizable and feature-rich graphical interface for Unix-like operating systems. Its development is driven by the KDE community, which ensures continuous improvements and innovations. The project's adherence to free software principles makes it accessible to users who value transparency and control over their software. KDE Plasma's compatibility with BSD and its availability across multiple Linux distributions highlight its versatility and widespread adoption. By offering a user-friendly yet powerful desktop experience, KDE Plasma empowers users to personalize their computing environment while contributing to a collaborative and open-source software community. ## Notable For - Being a major component of the KDE ecosystem, which includes other free software projects like KDE System Settings. - Supporting multiple versions (Plasma 4, Plasma 5, and Plasma 6) with distinct features and improvements. - Being available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, and Turkish, through its multilingual website. - Offering distribution-specific packages for Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux, ensuring broad compatibility. - Utilizing both C++ and QML for development, leveraging the strengths of each language for different aspects of the software. ## Body ### Overview KDE Plasma is a desktop environment developed by the KDE community, providing graphical user interfaces for Unix-like operating systems. It is part of the broader KDE ecosystem and is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later. The project has evolved through multiple major versions, including Plasma 4, Plasma 5, and Plasma 6, each introducing new features and improvements. ### Development and Technology KDE Plasma is primarily written in C++, with QML used for user interface components. C++ was first developed in 1983, while QML was introduced in 2009. The project utilizes the Qt and KDE Frameworks GUI toolkits to create a customizable and feature-rich desktop environment. The source code is available on GitHub and KDE Invent, allowing for community contributions and collaboration. ### Versions and Releases KDE Plasma has released several major versions, each with distinct features and improvements. Plasma 4 was released on 2008-01-11 and introduced significant updates to the desktop environment. Plasma 5 and Plasma 6 followed, further enhancing the user experience with new widgets, panels, and customization options. ### Distribution and Compatibility KDE Plasma is compatible with BSD-based Unix-like operating systems and is available for distribution-specific packages in Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux. The project's availability across multiple distributions ensures broad compatibility and accessibility for users. ### Community and Support The KDE community drives the development of KDE Plasma, ensuring continuous improvements and innovations. The project's adherence to free software principles makes it accessible to users who value transparency and control over their software. KDE Plasma offers multilingual support, with its website available in English and Turkish, and Wikipedia articles available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, and Japanese. ### Related Projects KDE Plasma is part of the broader KDE ecosystem, which includes other free software projects like KDE System Settings. The project's relationships with these entities contribute to the overall functionality and user experience of the desktop environment.