# Monado > OpenXR runtime for Linux **Wikidata**: [Q115206379](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115206379) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monado ## Summary Monado is an OpenXR runtime designed specifically for the Linux operating system. It serves as a free software implementation of the OpenXR standard, allowing users to freely run, study, and modify the code under the Boost Software License. ## Key Facts - **Definition:** Monado is an OpenXR runtime for Linux, classified as free software. - **License:** Distributed under the Boost Software License. - **Latest Release:** Version 21.0.0 (released January 28, 2021). - **Platform:** Runs exclusively on Linux (family of Unix-like operating systems). - **Source Code:** Hosted on GitLab at `https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/monado/monado`. - **Programming Languages:** Written in C (Q15777) and C++ (Q2407). - **Package Availability:** Available in official repositories for Debian (source package), Ubuntu, and Arch User Repository (AUR) as `monado`, `monado-git`, and `monado-doc`. - **Community Channels:** Active support available via Discord (ID: 556527313823596604) and IRC (`irc://irc.oftc.net/#monado`). - **Websites:** Official documentation and information hosted at `https://monado.dev/` and `https://monado.freedesktop.org/`. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary function of Monado? A: Monado functions as an OpenXR runtime for the Linux operating system. It acts as an implementation of the OpenXR standard, enabling XR applications to run on Linux-based systems. ### Q: Is Monado free to use? A: Yes, Monado is classified as free software. It is distributed under the Boost Software License, granting users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. ### Q: Where can the source code for Monado be found? A: The source code is maintained in a Git repository on GitLab FOSS at `https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/monado/monado`. ### Q: Which programming languages were used to write Monado? A: According to the project repository, Monado is written using the C and C++ programming languages. ## Why It Matters Monado plays a critical role in the Linux ecosystem by bridging the gap between the operating system and modern virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) hardware. As an implementation of the OpenXR standard—the industry standard for XR applications—it solves the fragmentation problem historically associated with VR on Linux, where different hardware required specific, often proprietary, drivers. By being "free software," Monado ensures that the XR stack on Linux remains open and auditable. This allows developers and researchers to inspect the code, understand exactly how hardware is managed, and modify the runtime to fit specific needs without legal or technical restrictions. Its availability in major Linux distribution repositories (such as Debian, Ubuntu, and Arch) lowers the barrier to entry, making high-fidelity XR accessible to the broader Linux community. ## Notable For - **OpenXR Implementation:** Serves as a key implementation of the OpenXR standard for the Linux platform. - **Free Software Philosophy:** Distinguished by its commitment to user freedoms (run, study, change, distribute) via the Boost Software License. - **Linux Integration:** Specifically built to operate within the Linux environment, distinct from Windows-based runtimes. - **Accessibility:** Direct availability through standard Linux package managers (Ubuntu, Debian, Arch). - **Open Development:** Development is transparent and hosted on public GitLab infrastructure. ## Body ### Technical Specifications Monado is built to serve as the middle-ware between XR hardware and applications on Linux. The project is implemented primarily in **C** and **C++**, ensuring high performance and compatibility with lower-level system drivers. The software is copyrighted but distributed freely under the **Boost Software License**, which permits both commercial and non-commercial use, modification, and distribution. ### Release History The project maintains a structured release schedule. A notable milestone in its development history is **Version 21.0.0**, which was officially released on **January 28, 2021**. This version serves as a reference point for the project's maturity and feature set in the early 2020s. ### Availability and Installation Monado is widely accessible to Linux users through native package management systems. * **Debian:** Available as a source package named `monado`. * **Ubuntu:** Users can install the runtime directly via the `monado` package. * **Arch Linux:** The community maintains several packages in the Arch User Repository (AUR), including `monado` (stable), `monado-git` (development version), and `monado-doc` (documentation). ### Community and Support The project fosters an active developer and user community. Real-time communication occurs primarily on **IRC** at `irc://irc.oftc.net/#monado`. Additionally, the project maintains a presence on **Discord** (Server ID: `556527313823596604`), providing support channels in English. ### Official Resources Primary information, documentation, and downloads are hosted across two main official domains: 1. **https://monado.dev/** (Preferred primary site) 2. **https://monado.freedesktop.org/** (Secondary site) Both sites provide content in English. ## References 1. [Source](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/monado/monado/) 2. [Source](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/monado/monado/-/releases/v21.0.0)