# OpenCFU

> easy-to-use C++ application to count bacterial colonies (i.e. CFU)

**Wikidata**: [Q120219929](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120219929)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/opencfu

## Summary
OpenCFU is an easy-to-use C++ application designed to count bacterial colonies, specifically Colony Forming Units (CFU). It is free software that enables users to analyze images of cell colonies and other circular objects. The source code is openly available for modification and distribution under the definition of free software.

## Key Facts
- **Software Type:** Free software written in C++.
- **Primary Function:** Enumeration of bacterial colonies (CFU) and other circular biological objects.
- **Latest Stable Release:** Version 4.0.0 (released November 9, 2020).
- **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU`.
- **Official Website:** `https://opencfu.sourceforge.net/`.
- **Previous Versions:** Includes version 3.9.0 (released October 4, 2014) and version 3.8.11 (released September 9, 2014).
- **Academic Source:** Described in the publication "OpenCFU, a New Free and Open-Source Software to Count Cell Colonies and Other Circular Objects."

## FAQs
### Q: What is OpenCFU used for?
A: OpenCFU is used to count bacterial colonies, known as Colony Forming Units (CFU), as well as other circular objects in digital images. It automates the process of counting cell colonies for biological research.

### Q: Is OpenCFU free to use?
A: Yes, OpenCFU is classified as free software. This means it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and any modified versions.

### Q: Where can OpenCFU be downloaded?
A: The software can be downloaded from its official releases page on GitHub at `https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU/releases`.

### Q: What programming language is OpenCFU written in?
A: OpenCFU is a C++ application, designed to be easy-to-use while providing image processing capabilities.

## Why It Matters
In microbiology and biological research, the manual counting of bacterial colonies is a tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone task. OpenCFU matters because it automates this process, providing a standardized, objective method for quantifying culture growth. Unlike proprietary software that often comes with expensive licenses and "black box" algorithms, OpenCFU is free and open-source. This accessibility removes financial barriers for labs and students, allowing for wider adoption of automated counting techniques.

Furthermore, because the source code is available on GitHub, the tool offers transparency; researchers can inspect the algorithms used to identify circular objects, ensuring scientific rigor. The classification of the software as "free" specifically grants users the liberty to modify the tool to fit unique experimental setups, fostering a collaborative environment for software improvement in the scientific community. By solving the specific problem of counting circular objects and cell colonies efficiently, OpenCFU streamlines workflows in labs around the world.

## Notable For
- **Open Source Transparency:** Unlike commercial alternatives, the source code is fully accessible for audit and modification.
- **Broad Utility:** While designed for bacterial colonies, it is capable of counting any "circular objects," making it versatile for various biological assays.
- **Cost Efficiency:** It provides a professional-grade counting solution at no cost, defined by the ability to freely run and distribute the software.
- **Active Maintenance:** The software has seen updates spanning from 2014 to late 2020, indicating sustained development.

## Body
### Software Overview
OpenCFU is a desktop application built using the C++ programming language. It is categorized strictly as free software, ensuring users have the liberty to run, study, change, and distribute it. The tool is specifically designed to process digital images to identify and enumerate bacterial colonies (CFU) and other circular entities.

### Development and Release History
The development of OpenCFU is tracked through its GitHub repository. The release history indicates active maintenance over several years:
- **Version 3.8.11:** Released on September 9, 2014.
- **Version 3.9.0:** Released shortly after on October 4, 2014.
- **Version 4.0.0:** Marked as the preferred release, launched on November 9, 2020.

### Availability and Resources
The project is hosted on two primary platforms:
- **SourceForge:** Serves as the official website (`https://opencfu.sourceforge.net/`) for general information.
- **GitHub:** Hosts the source code repository and download links (`https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU`). Users can access the `releases` section to download the specific versions.
The software's methodology and validation are documented in the academic context, specifically cited as "OpenCFU, a New Free and Open-Source Software to Count Cell Colonies and Other Circular Objects."

## References

1. [Release 3.8.11. 2014](https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU/releases/tag/3.8.11)
2. [Release 3.9.0. 2014](https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU/releases/tag/3.9.0)
3. [Release 4.0.0. 2020](https://github.com/qgeissmann/OpenCFU/releases/tag/4.0.0)
4. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/qgeissmann/OpenCFU)