# minimap2

> software

**Wikidata**: [Q113018356](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113018356)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/minimap2

## Summary
minimap2 is a software tool designed for the pairwise alignment of nucleotide sequences. It functions as a non-tangible executable component of a computer system and is written in programming language Q15777. The project is supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and is publicly accessible via its website and GitHub repository.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Software instance used for pairwise alignment of nucleotide sequences.
- **Funding:** Recipient of the "Essential Open Source Software for Science program grant" from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
- **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/lh3/minimap2`.
- **Website:** Official documentation and information located at `https://lh3.github.io/minimap2/`.
- **Programming Language:** Written in Q15777.
- **Initial Release (v2.0):** Released on August 9, 2017.
- **Recent Version (v2.8):** Released on February 1, 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of minimap2?
A: According to its source description, minimap2 is software designed for "pairwise alignment for nucleotide sequences."

### Q: Who provides funding for minimap2?
A: The software is funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative through the Essential Open Source Software for Science program grant.

### Q: Where can the source code for minimap2 be found?
A: The source code repository is located on GitHub at `https://github.com/lh3/minimap2`.

## Why It Matters
minimap2 serves as a significant tool in the field of computational biology, specifically addressing the need for efficient pairwise alignment of nucleotide sequences. Its importance is highlighted by its recognition and support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) through the "Essential Open Source Software for Science" program. This funding suggests that minimap2 is considered a critical piece of infrastructure within the scientific open-source ecosystem. By providing a dedicated tool for sequence alignment, it enables researchers to process genetic data effectively. The software's development has been active and iterative, evidenced by the release of eight distinct versions between August 2017 and February 2018 alone, demonstrating a commitment to rapid improvement and feature expansion in response to technical needs.

## Notable For
- **Essential Science Tool:** Recognized by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as "Essential Open Source Software for Science."
- **Specific Utility:** Uniquely described by its source as a solution for "pairwise alignment for nucleotide sequences."
- **Rapid Development Cycle:** Released eight versions (2.0 through 2.8) within a six-month span (August 2017 – February 2018).
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Fully accessible via a public GitHub repository and dedicated website.

## Body

### Development and Funding
minimap2 is an open-source software project that has received funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Specifically, it was awarded a grant under the "Essential Open Source Software for Science program," indicating its role as a foundational tool in scientific research. The project is maintained under the repository host GitHub and utilizes the programming language Q15777.

### Release History
The software has undergone numerous updates, with version 2.0 officially published on August 9, 2017. Following the initial release of the 2.x series, the development team released updates at a rapid pace:

- **2017 Releases:**
    - **v2.0:** August 9
    - **v2.1:** August 25
    - **v2.1.1:** September 6
    - **v2.2:** September 18
    - **v2.3:** October 23
    - **v2.4:** November 6
    - **v2.5:** November 11
    - **v2.6:** December 12
- **2018 Releases:**
    - **v2.7:** January 9
    - **v2.8:** February 1

### Technical Classification
The entity is strictly classified as "software," defined as a non-tangible executable component of a computer. Its specific academic and practical application is described by the source title: "Minimap2: pairwise alignment for nucleotide sequences."

## References

1. [Release 2.0. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.0)
2. [Release 2.1. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.1)
3. [Release 2.1.1. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.1.1)
4. [Release 2.2. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.2)
5. [Release 2.3. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.3)
6. [Release 2.4. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.4)
7. [Release 2.5. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.5)
8. [Release 2.6. 2017](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.6)
9. [Release 2.7. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.7)
10. [Release 2.8. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.8)
11. [Release 2.9. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.9)
12. [Release 2.10. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.10)
13. [Release 2.11. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.11)
14. [Release 2.12. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.12)
15. [Release 2.13. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.13)
16. [Release 2.14. 2018](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.14)
17. [Release 2.15. 2019](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.15)
18. [Release 2.16. 2019](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.16)
19. [Release 2.17. 2019](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.17)
20. [Release 2.18. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.18)
21. [Release 2.19. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.19)
22. [Release 2.20. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.20)
23. [Release 2.21. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.21)
24. [Release 2.22. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.22)
25. [Release 2.23. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.23)
26. [Release 2.24. 2021](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.24)
27. [Release 2.25. 2023](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.25)
28. [Release 2.26. 2023](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.26)
29. [Release 2.27. 2024](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.27)
30. [Release 2.28. 2024](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.28)
31. [Release 2.29. 2025](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.29)
32. [Release 2.30. 2025](https://github.com/lh3/minimap2/releases/tag/v2.30)
33. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/lh3/minimap2)
34. [Source](https://chanzuckerberg.com/eoss/proposals/)