# NWChem

> computational chemistry software package

**Wikidata**: [Q12499786](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12499786)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NWChem)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nwchem

## Summary
NWChem is a free, open-source computational chemistry software package developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It is primarily used for quantum chemistry simulations and runs on Linux operating systems. The software is distributed under the Educational Community License and is written primarily in Fortran.

## Key Facts
- **Primary use**: Computational chemistry, specifically quantum chemistry simulations.
- **License**: Educational Community License, allowing free distribution and modification.
- **Operating system**: Linux, as it is designed to run on Unix-like operating systems.
- **Programming language**: Primarily written in Fortran, a general-purpose programming language first developed in 1957.
- **Developer**: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy research facility.
- **Website**: Official site is [http://www.nwchem-sw.org/](http://www.nwchem-sw.org/).
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted, with open-source distribution terms.
- **Sitelink count**: 3 Wikipedia entries in English, Indonesian, and Turkish.

## FAQs
### Q: What is NWChem used for?
A: NWChem is primarily used for computational chemistry, particularly in quantum chemistry simulations, such as molecular modeling and electronic structure calculations.

### Q: Is NWChem free to use?
A: Yes, NWChem is free software distributed under the Educational Community License, allowing users to run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: What operating system does NWChem run on?
A: NWChem is designed to run on Linux, a family of Unix-like operating systems first released on September 17, 1991.

### Q: Who developed NWChem?
A: NWChem was developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

### Q: What programming language is NWChem written in?
A: NWChem is primarily written in Fortran, a programming language first developed in 1957.

## Why It Matters
NWChem plays a crucial role in computational chemistry by providing researchers with a powerful tool for quantum chemistry simulations. Its open-source nature allows for widespread adoption and collaboration, enabling scientists to study molecular structures, chemical reactions, and electronic properties without the need for expensive proprietary software. By running on Linux, it leverages the stability and performance of Unix-like systems, making it a valuable resource for academic and industrial research. The software’s development by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory ensures that it remains aligned with cutting-edge research in quantum chemistry.

## Notable For
- **Open-source quantum chemistry software**: One of the few free, open-source alternatives for quantum chemistry simulations.
- **Linux compatibility**: Designed specifically for Linux, ensuring optimal performance on Unix-like systems.
- **Fortran-based development**: Utilizes Fortran, a language well-suited for scientific computing and numerical simulations.
- **Educational Community License**: Allows for free distribution and modification, promoting academic and research use.
- **Pacific Northwest National Laboratory development**: Developed by a leading U.S. research facility, ensuring high-quality and reliable software.

## Body
### Overview
NWChem is a computational chemistry software package primarily used for quantum chemistry simulations. It is free software distributed under the Educational Community License, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Development and Licensing
- **Developer**: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy research facility.
- **License**: Educational Community License, which permits free distribution and modification.
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted, but distributed under terms that allow open-source use.

### Technical Specifications
- **Programming language**: Primarily written in Fortran, a language first developed in 1957.
- **Operating system**: Designed to run on Linux, a family of Unix-like operating systems first released on September 17, 1991.
- **Website**: Official site is [http://www.nwchem-sw.org/](http://www.nwchem-sw.org/).

### Usage and Impact
- **Primary use**: Quantum chemistry simulations, including molecular modeling and electronic structure calculations.
- **Sitelink count**: 3 Wikipedia entries in English, Indonesian, and Turkish, indicating its presence in multiple language editions.
- **Open-source contributions**: Available on platforms like OpenHub and Repology, facilitating community contributions and updates.

NWChem’s development and distribution reflect its commitment to advancing computational chemistry research while remaining accessible to the academic and scientific community.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.openhub.net/p/nwchem/analyses/latest/languages_summary)