# Microalg
**Wikidata**: [Q105029395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105029395)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/microalg

## Summary
Microalg is a programming language and software application based on PicoLisp, a dialect of Lisp. It is designed to operate within a web browser and utilizes French as its language of work and name. The project, which began in 2014, is dedicated to the public domain by its copyright holder and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Microalg is an instance of both a programming language and software.
- **Foundation:** The project was inceptioned on September 28, 2014.
- **Stable Release:** The preferred stable version is 0.4.07, released on October 23, 2016.
- **Licensing:** It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, and is dedicated to the public domain.
- **Platform:** The software functions on the web browser platform.
- **Language:** The language of work and name for Microalg is French.
- **Core Technology:** It is listed as a programming language utilizing or related to PicoLisp.
- **Repository:** The source code is hosted at https://github.com/Microalg/microalg.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Microalg used for?
A: Microalg is a programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine, specifically functioning as a dialect or derivative of PicoLisp. It is accessible via web browsers and is primarily presented in French.

### Q: When was Microalg created?
A: The project's inception date is listed as September 28, 2014. Its first notable release versions (0.1.0 and 0.1.1) also appeared on this date.

### Q: What are the licensing terms for Microalg?
A: Microalg is copyrighted but dedicated to the public domain by the holder. It is also distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

## Why It Matters
Microalg represents a specific niche in software development: a French-language programming environment built upon the PicoLisp dialect. By utilizing French as the language of work, it lowers the barrier to entry for French-speaking developers or students learning programming concepts who may find English-centric syntax challenging.

Its implementation as browser-based software enhances its accessibility, allowing users to engage with the language without complex local installation processes. The project demonstrates active development over several years, spanning from version 0.1.0 in late 2014 to the stable version 0.4.07 in late 2016. The dual designation of being both "public domain" and GPL-licensed provides flexibility for users and developers regarding modification and redistribution.

## Notable For
- **French Localization:** Distinct for using French as its primary language of work and nomenclature, unlike many major programming languages.
- **Browser Integration:** Notable for running directly on a web browser platform, distinguishing it from compiled or strictly command-line languages.
- **PicoLisp Foundation:** It is one of the few documented software projects explicitly related to the PicoLisp programming language.
- **Rapid Early Development:** The project saw frequent updates in its first year, progressing from version 0.1.0 to 0.2.5 between September 2014 and January 2015.

## Body

### History and Development
Microalg was officially inceptioned on September 28, 2014. The development timeline shows a concentration of activity in the project's early years. The initial releases, versions 0.1.0 and 0.1.1, were both published on the inception date.

Subsequent updates followed a rapid cadence through late 2014 and 2015:
- **October 2014:** Version 0.1.2 (Oct 4) and 0.2.0 (Oct 21).
- **November 2014:** Version 0.2.1 (Nov 20).
- **December 2014:** Version 0.2.2 (Dec 5) and 0.2.3 (Dec 20).
- **January 2015:** Version 0.2.4 (Jan 14) and 0.2.5 (Jan 31).

The most recent version cited in the provided data is version **0.4.07**, designated as a "stable version," which was released on October 23, 2016.

### Technical Specifications
Microalg is classified as both a programming language and software. It is related to **PicoLisp**, a dialect of the Lisp programming language known for its simplicity and speed. Microalg's implementation allows it to run on a **web browser** platform, making it platform-independent regarding operating systems as long as a modern browser is available.

The official website for the project is `http://microalg.info/`, and the source code is maintained in a GitHub repository at `https://github.com/Microalg/microalg`.

### Licensing and Rights
The legal status of Microalg is unique in that it is explicitly described as being "dedicated to the public domain by copyright holder," indicating the author has waived copyright interests to the fullest extent possible. However, the software is also distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 2.0** (GPL v2), ensuring that it remains free and open-source for the community.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.4.07)
2. [Release 0.1.0. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
3. [Release 0.1.1. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.1.1)
4. [Release 0.1.2. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.1.2)
5. [Release 0.2.0. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.0)
6. [Release 0.2.1. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.1)
7. [Release 0.2.2. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.2)
8. [Release 0.2.3. 2014](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.3)
9. [Release 0.2.4. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.4)
10. [Release 0.2.5. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.5)
11. [Release 0.2.6. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.2.6)
12. [Release 0.3.14. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.3.14)
13. [Release 0.3.15. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.3.15)
14. [Release 0.3.16. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.3.16)
15. [Release 0.3.17. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.3.17)
16. [Release 0.4. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.4)
17. [Release 0.4.04. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.4.04)
18. [Release 0.4.05. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.4.05)
19. [Release 0.4.06. 2015](https://github.com/Microalg/microalg/releases/tag/v0.4.06)
20. [Source](https://framalibre.org/content/microalg)