# KDE Software Compilation

> former umbrella term by KDE for the Plasma 4.x desktop environment bundled with an associated range of applications produced by KDE

**Wikidata**: [Q1191636](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1191636)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE_Software_Compilation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kde-software-compilation

## Summary
KDE Software Compilation (KDE SC) was a former umbrella term by KDE for the Plasma 4.x desktop environment, bundled with associated applications produced by the KDE community. It represented a comprehensive free and open-source software (FOSS) ecosystem, including file managers like Dolphin and BitTorrent clients such as KTorrent, all developed under permissive and copyleft licenses.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Desktop environment, free and open-source software, application
- **Aliases**: KDE SC, KDE SC 4, KDE 4, KDE Software Compilation 4
- **Licenses**: BSD licenses, GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), MIT License
- **Version**: 4.12.3
- **Publication date**: July 12, 1998
- **Website**: [https://kde.org/](https://kde.org/) (English)
- **Related applications**: KTorrent (BitTorrent client), Dolphin (file manager)
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted
- **Wikipedia languages**: Arabic, English, Galician, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese
- **Sitelink count**: 6
- **BabelNet ID**: 02044807n
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0ddh6x_

## FAQs
**What was KDE Software Compilation?**
KDE Software Compilation was a former umbrella term used by KDE to refer to the Plasma 4.x desktop environment, bundled with a range of applications developed by the KDE community. It represented a comprehensive FOSS ecosystem, including file managers and BitTorrent clients.

**What licenses did KDE Software Compilation use?**
KDE Software Compilation was distributed under multiple licenses, including BSD licenses, GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), and the MIT License, reflecting its commitment to free and open-source software.

**Which applications were included in KDE Software Compilation?**
KDE Software Compilation included applications such as Dolphin (a file manager) and KTorrent (a BitTorrent client), which were part of the broader KDE ecosystem.

**What was the latest version of KDE Software Compilation?**
The latest version of KDE Software Compilation was 4.12.3.

**How was KDE Software Compilation related to Plasma?**
KDE Software Compilation was closely tied to the Plasma 4.x desktop environment, serving as an umbrella term for the bundled software ecosystem provided by KDE.

## Why It Matters
KDE Software Compilation played a pivotal role in the free and open-source software (FOSS) movement by providing a comprehensive desktop environment and associated applications under permissive and copyleft licenses. Its inclusion of applications like Dolphin and KTorrent demonstrated KDE’s commitment to user-friendly, open-source tools. By bundling these components, KDE SC facilitated a cohesive user experience, contributing to the adoption and growth of FOSS desktop environments. Its significance lies in its role as a foundational element in the KDE ecosystem, influencing the development of open-source software and desktop environments for years to come.

## Notable For
- Served as the umbrella term for the Plasma 4.x desktop environment and associated KDE applications.
- Included notable applications like Dolphin (file manager) and KTorrent (BitTorrent client).
- Distributed under multiple licenses, including BSD, GPL, LGPL, and MIT, reflecting KDE’s commitment to open-source principles.
- Released version 4.12.3 as its final iteration before transitioning to newer versions of KDE.
- Provided a comprehensive FOSS ecosystem, demonstrating KDE’s influence in the desktop environment space.

## Body
### Overview
KDE Software Compilation (KDE SC) was a former umbrella term used by the KDE community to refer to the Plasma 4.x desktop environment, bundled with a range of applications developed by KDE. It represented a comprehensive free and open-source software (FOSS) ecosystem, including file managers like Dolphin and BitTorrent clients such as KTorrent. The compilation was distributed under multiple licenses, including BSD licenses, GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), and the MIT License, reflecting KDE’s commitment to open-source principles.

### History
KDE Software Compilation was first introduced on July 12, 1998, and was closely tied to the Plasma 4.x desktop environment. The latest version of KDE SC was 4.12.3, marking its final iteration before the KDE community transitioned to newer versions. The compilation was part of KDE’s broader efforts to provide a cohesive FOSS ecosystem for users.

### Applications and Ecosystem
KDE Software Compilation included a variety of applications, such as Dolphin, a file manager, and KTorrent, a BitTorrent client. These applications were developed as part of the KDE Gear suite and were integral to the desktop environment experience. The compilation demonstrated KDE’s influence in the FOSS community by providing user-friendly tools that aligned with open-source principles.

### Licensing and Distribution
KDE Software Compilation was distributed under multiple licenses, including BSD licenses, GNU General Public License (GPL), GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), and the MIT License. This approach allowed KDE to balance the needs of developers and users, ensuring that the software could be used and modified in accordance with open-source principles.

### Significance
KDE Software Compilation played a significant role in the FOSS movement by providing a comprehensive desktop environment and associated applications. Its inclusion of applications like Dolphin and KTorrent demonstrated KDE’s commitment to user-friendly, open-source tools. By bundling these components, KDE SC facilitated a cohesive user experience, contributing to the adoption and growth of FOSS desktop environments. Its legacy continues to influence the development of open-source software and desktop environments.

## References

1. BabelNet