# Org-Drill > flash card memorization system using Org mode **Wikidata**: [Q113127916](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113127916) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/org-drill ## Summary Org-Drill is a flashcard memorization system written in Emacs Lisp for use within Org mode. It utilizes spaced repetition to assist users in learning and retaining information directly inside their Org files. The software is maintained by Phillip Lord and is distributed as free software via NonGNU ELPA. ## Key Facts - **Function:** Serves as a flash card memorization system using Org mode. - **Latest Version:** Version 2.7.0 (stable), released on January 18, 2022. - **Author/Maintainer:** Phillip Lord. - **Programming Language:** Written in Emacs Lisp. - **Distribution:** Available via NonGNU ELPA (since January 18, 2022), Debian (as `elpa-org-drill`), Ubuntu, Nixpkgs, and Guix. - **History:** Was previously a part of Org-mode until its removal/end of integration in 2019. - **Source Code:** Hosted on GitLab and mirrored on GNU Savannah. - **License:** Classified as free software (Wikidata ID Q27016754). ## FAQs ### Q: Is Org-Drill included by default in Org mode? A: No, Org-Drill was part of Org mode until 2019. As of 2022, it is distributed independently as a package via NonGNU ELPA. ### Q: How can I install Org-Drill on Linux? A: It is available through various package managers. On Debian and Ubuntu, you can install the `elpa-org-drill` package. It is also available in Nixpkgs as `emacsPackages.org-drill` and in Guix as `emacs-org-drill`. ### Q: Where is the source code maintained? A: The primary source code repository is located on GitLab at `https://gitlab.com/phillord/org-drill`. It is also mirrored on GNU Savannah within the NonGNU ELPA repository. ## Why It Matters Org-Drill bridges the gap between structured note-taking and active learning. By integrating flashcard functionality directly into Org mode—a powerful outlining and organization tool for Emacs—it allows users to turn their notes into interactive study materials without leaving their workflow. This integration eliminates the need for third-party memorization apps, keeping data local and under the user's control. The tool represents a significant utility for the Emacs community, providing a specialized "drill" system for memorization. Its inclusion in major repositories like NonGNU ELPA, Debian, and Nixpkgs highlights its sustained relevance and reliability as a free software tool. Following its transition out of the core Org-mode package in 2019, its successful maintenance and release as a standalone package (version 2.7.0 in 2022) demonstrate continued development and support for users relying on spaced repetition within Emacs. ## Notable For - **Deep Integration:** operates natively within Org mode files, using standard Org syntax for card creation. - **Package Availability:** widely distributed across major free software repositories including Debian Stable, NonGNU ELPA, Ubuntu, and Nixpkgs. - **Language:** implemented entirely in Emacs Lisp, ensuring seamless compatibility with GNU Emacs. - **Transition:** successfully transitioned from a core component of Org-mode to an independent NonGNU ELPA package. ## Body ### Overview and Functionality Org-Drill is a specialized extension for Org mode designed to implement a flashcard memorization system. It allows users to write drill entries in standard Org mode syntax and then presents them as flashcards for review. The system is built to facilitate "spaced repetition," a learning technique where information is reviewed at increasing intervals. ### Technical Specifications The software is written in Emacs Lisp, the dialect of Lisp used in GNU Emacs (which originated in 1985). It is classified as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it. * **Version:** The current stable release is version 2.7.0, published on January 18, 2022. * **Copyright:** The software is copyrighted but distributed under free software terms. ### Installation and Distribution Org-Drill is accessible through multiple channels, making it easy to install across different operating systems that support Emacs. * **NonGNU ELPA:** Since January 18, 2022, Org-Drill has been officially distributed as part of the NonGNU Emacs Lisp Package Archive. * **Linux Packages:** * **Debian:** Available as the source package `org-drill` and the stable binary package `elpa-org-drill` (specifically available in the "bookworm" distribution). * **Ubuntu:** Available via Launchpad (`ubuntu/+source/org-drill`). * **Nix/Guix:** Available in Nixpkgs as `emacsPackages.org-drill` and in Guix as `emacs-org-drill`. ### Development History and Repositories Org-Drill was historically integrated into the Org-mode ecosystem. Specific records indicate its status as part of Org-mode ended in 2019. It is currently maintained by Phillip Lord. The source code and issue tracking are managed publicly: * **Primary Repository:** [https://gitlab.com/phillord/org-drill](https://gitlab.com/phillord/org-drill) * **Issue Tracker:** [https://gitlab.com/phillord/org-drill/-/issues](https://gitlab.com/phillord/org-drill/-/issues) * **GNU Savannah Mirror:** A mirror is maintained at `https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/nongnu.git` within the ELPA section. * **Documentation:** Official documentation is located at `https://orgmode.org/worg/org-contrib/org-drill.html`. ## References 1. [[NonGNU ELPA] Org-Drill version 2.7.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-01/msg00071.html) 2. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/org-mode.git/commit/?id=2c8e8b4a186473729b983318c2befc1732127165) 3. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/bookworm/org-drill)