# LodePNG

> PNG encoder and decoder in C and C++

**Wikidata**: [Q104696582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104696582)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lodepng

## Summary
LodePNG is a free software library written in C and C++ designed for encoding and decoding Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files. It functions as a standalone software component compatible with Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems. The library is distributed under the zlib License and is publicly accessible via its dedicated website and GitHub repository.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Software library, Free software.
- **Primary Function:** Encoder and decoder for Portable Network Graphics (PNG).
- **Programming Languages:** C and C++ (identified in source as Q15777 and Q2407).
- **License:** zlib License.
- **Operating Systems:** Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems.
- **Website:** https://lodev.org/lodepng/
- **Source Repository:** https://github.com/lvandeve/lodepng
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Repology Project Name:** lodepng.

## FAQs
### Q: What programming languages do I need to use LodePNG?
A: LodePNG is implemented in C and C++, making it suitable for projects written in either of these languages.

### Q: Is LodePNG free to use in commercial or personal projects?
A: Yes, LodePNG is classified as free software distributed under the zlib License. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### Q: What file formats does LodePNG support?
A: LodePNG is specifically an implementation of the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format, supporting both the reading (decoding) and writing (encoding) of these files.

### Q: Which operating systems are compatible with LodePNG?
A: The software library is designed to run on Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems.

## Why It Matters
LodePNG serves as a critical tool for developers requiring a lightweight, integrated solution for PNG image processing without relying on complex external dependencies. By providing a combined encoder and decoder in the widely used C and C++ languages, it bridges the gap between raw image data and the standardized PNG format. Its significance is underscored by its classification as free software under the permissive zlib License, which grants developers extensive freedom to modify and redistribute the code. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for a diverse range of software applications, from small utilities to larger systems running on Windows or Unix-like environments. Furthermore, its availability as a distinct repology project and presence on GitHub facilitates easy integration into modern development workflows, ensuring that handling PNG graphics remains accessible and efficient.

## Notable For
- **Dual Functionality:** Combines both PNG encoding (writing) and decoding (reading) capabilities in a single library.
- **Broad OS Support:** Compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems.
- **Permissive Licensing:** Distributed under the zlib License, which allows for free modification and distribution.
- **Language Versatility:** implemented in both C and C++, catering to a vast ecosystem of system software.

## Body
### Technical Overview
LodePNG is a software library explicitly designed for the processing of Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files. It provides the necessary logic to encode raw pixel data into the PNG format and to decode PNG files back into raw data. The library is implemented using the C and C++ programming languages, ensuring high compatibility with system-level and performance-critical applications.

### Licensing and Distribution
The project is strictly classified as free software. It is distributed under the terms of the **zlib License**, a permissive free software license. This licensing allows users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software, including modified versions. Despite its free distribution, the library maintains a copyrighted status.

### Platform Compatibility
LodePNG is designed to be cross-platform. The source data confirms compatibility with:
- **Microsoft Windows:** The family of computer operating systems developed by Microsoft.
- **Unix-like operating systems:** Operating systems that behave in a manner similar to Unix.

### Availability and Resources
The software is maintained in a public source code repository hosted on GitHub. The official website for the project is located at `https://lodev.org/lodepng/`. The project is tracked under the Repology project name "lodepng," indicating its presence in various software package repositories.

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/lvandeve/lodepng)