# minibuffer-header > minor mode for GNU Emacs that insert a header line in the minibuffer **Wikidata**: [Q113480860](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113480860) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/minibuffer-header ## Summary **minibuffer-header** is a minor mode for the GNU Emacs text editor that inserts a header line into the minibuffer. Developed by Nicolas P. Rougier and written in Emacs Lisp, this free software package is distributed via the GNU Emacs Lisp Package Archive (GNU ELPA). It was officially inceptioned in 2022 and is maintained as part of the broader GNU Project. ## Key Facts - **Definition:** A free software minor mode and software library for GNU Emacs. - **Primary Function:** Inserts a header line into the Emacs minibuffer. - **Author/Maintainer:** Nicolas P. Rougier (since 2022). - **Release Date:** Inception year 2022; initial versions 0.2 and 0.4 released on August 7, 2022. - **Latest Stable Version:** Version 0.5 (released August 9, 2022). - **Distribution:** Distributed by GNU ELPA (GNU Emacs Lisp Package Archive) starting August 7, 2022. - **Programming Language:** Written in Emacs Lisp. - **License:** Free software (part of the free software movement). - **Repository:** Source code is available on GitHub and GNU Savannah. ## FAQs ### Q: What does minibuffer-header do? A: It is a minor mode for GNU Emacs that adds a customizable header line to the minibuffer, enhancing the user interface of the editor's command area. ### Q: How is minibuffer-header installed? A: Being part of the GNU ELPA (GNU Emacs Lisp Package Archive), it can be installed directly through the Emacs package management system. ### Q: Who created minibuffer-header? A: The package was created and is maintained by developer Nicolas P. Rougier and was introduced to the GNU Project in August 2022. ## Why It Matters The **minibuffer-header** package serves as a specialized user interface enhancement within the GNU Emacs ecosystem. While the minibuffer is traditionally a single-line area used for command input and minibuffer messages, this package allows for a persistent header line, providing contextual information or visual structure that standard Emacs configurations lack. Its inclusion in the **GNU ELPA** signifies its compliance with free software standards and its integration into the official GNU Project infrastructure. By utilizing **Emacs Lisp**, the package demonstrates the extensibility of the Emacs platform, allowing users to modify core UI elements like the minibuffer without altering the core editor source code. The rapid iteration of versions (0.2, 0.4, and 0.5) within a three-day period in August 2022 highlights an active development cycle and immediate responsiveness to integration requirements upon its official release. ## Notable For - **Official GNU Integration:** Unlike many third-party Emacs packages, `minibuffer-header` is hosted on GNU Savannah and distributed via the official GNU ELPA, indicating it is part of the core free software movement. - **Rapid Versioning:** The project saw three stable releases (0.2, 0.4, and 0.5) within the span of three days (August 7–9, 2022). - **Dual Repository Hosting:** The source code is mirrored and maintained on both GitHub (for public contribution) and GNU Savannah (for official archiving). - **UI Extension:** It specifically targets the "minibuffer" UI component, a central interaction point in Emacs, distinguishing it from modes that only affect the main editing window. ## Body ### Overview and Functionality **minibuffer-header** is an instance of a **software library** and **Emacs mode** classified as **free software**. Its primary technical function is to enable a header line within the **minibuffer** of **GNU Emacs**. The minibuffer is a standard feature of the Emacs environment used for complex commands, file naming, and user prompts. ### Development History The package was inceptioned in **2022**. Development activity was concentrated in early August of that year: - **August 7, 2022:** Version 0.2 and Version 0.4 were published. - **August 9, 2022:** Version 0.5 was released, which is marked as the preferred stable version. The software is authored and maintained by **Nicolas P. Rougier**. ### Technical Specifications The software is written in **Emacs Lisp**, the dialect of Lisp specific to GNU Emacs. It is platform-dependent on **GNU Emacs**. **Source Code Availability:** The project maintains a public presence on GitHub and an official presence on GNU infrastructure: 1. **GitHub:** `https://github.com/rougier/minibuffer-header` 2. **GNU Savannah (cgit):** `https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/elpa.git/tree/?h=externals/minibuffer-header` ### Distribution and Licensing **minibuffer-header** is distributed by **GNU ELPA** (Package ID: `minibuffer-header`). It is part of the **GNU Project**, which was founded in 1983. As part of the GNU ecosystem, it falls under the **free software movement** and is designated as copyrighted software with a license allowing free use, study, and modification. The package was officially added to the GNU ELPA repository on August 7, 2022. ## References 1. [New GNU ELPA package: minibuffer-header - Minibuffer header line. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu-emacs/2022-08/msg00003.html) 2. [Minibuffer-Header version 0.2. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-08/msg00011.html) 3. [Minibuffer-Header version 0.4. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-08/msg00013.html) 4. [Minibuffer-Header version 0.5. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-08/msg00016.html) 5. [Source](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/minibuffer-header.html)