# Kylin

> Chinese computer operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q1438024](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1438024)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kylin_(operating_system))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kylin

## Summary
Kylin is a Chinese computer operating system developed by the National University of Defense Technology and released under the GNU General Public License. It serves as software that manages computer hardware resources and is recognized for its independent development within China's technology ecosystem.

## Key Facts
- Kylin is an instance of the *operating system* class, which manages computer hardware resources.
- Developed by the **National University of Defense Technology** in China.
- Licensed under the **GNU General Public License**.
- Official website: https://www.kylinos.cn (in Chinese).
- Notable aliases include "Kylin OS", "銀河麒麟" (Galaxy Kylin), and "麒麟OS".
- Documented in **16 Wikipedia language editions** (e.g., English, Chinese, German).
- Copyrighted with a distinct identity from "qilin".
- Associated Wikimedia Commons image: `Kylin_OS.png`.

## FAQs
### Q: Who created Kylin?
A: Kylin was developed by the National University of Defense Technology in China.

### Q: What license governs Kylin?
A: Kylin is released under the GNU General Public License, ensuring open-source usage and distribution rights.

### Q: Is Kylin available in languages other than Chinese?
A: Yes, it has documentation in multiple Wikipedia languages including English, German, and Korean.

### Q: What is Kylin’s primary function?
A: As an operating system, Kylin manages computer hardware resources and provides foundational software for computers.

## Why It Matters
Kylin addresses China's strategic need for indigenous operating systems to reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly in government and defense sectors. Its development by a premier defense institution underscores its role in national security and technological sovereignty. By leveraging the open-source GNU General Public License, Kylin encourages community collaboration while maintaining control over sensitive infrastructure. This initiative contributes to China’s broader tech independence goals and positions Kylin as a key player in localized computing ecosystems.

## Notable For
- Being developed by **National University of Defense Technology**, a leading Chinese defense research institution.
- Releasing under the **GNU General Public License**, enabling open-source accessibility.
- Featuring **distinct Chinese branding** including "銀河麒麟" (Galaxy Kylin).
- Maintaining **Wikipedia presence in 16 languages**, highlighting international recognition.
- Holding **copyrighted status** while operating under an open-source license.

## Body
### Development
Kylin is developed by the National University of Defense Technology, a Chinese institution specializing in defense research and technology. This affiliation links the operating system to national security and strategic computing initiatives in China.

### Licensing
The project operates under the GNU General Public License, a widely recognized open-source license that permits free use, modification, and redistribution. This licensing model supports collaborative development and transparency in the software's evolution.

### Official Presence
- **Website**: Official resources are hosted at https://www.kylinos.cn, with content in Chinese.
- **Wikimedia Commons**: An image of Kylin OS is available at `Kylin_OS.png`.
- **Wikipedia**: Documentation spans 16 languages, with the primary article titled "Kylin (operating system)".

### Identity and Recognition
- **Aliases**: Recognized as "Kylin OS", "銀河麒麟" (Galaxy Kylin), and "麒麟OS" in various contexts.
- **Distinction**: Explicitly differentiated from "qilin" via Wikidata properties to avoid confusion.
- **Copyright Status**: Maintains copyrighted status despite open-source licensing.

### Technical Classification
Kylin belongs to the *operating system* class, defined as software that manages computer hardware resources. This categorization places it alongside foundational systems critical for hardware-software interaction.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013