# PANGOLIN

> database of SARS-CoV-2 lineages

**Wikidata**: [Q105185169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105185169)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phylogenetic_Assignment_of_Named_Global_Outbreak_Lineages)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pangolin

## Summary
PANGOLIN (Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak Lineages) is a software tool and biological database designed to assign lineages to SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Written in Python and licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, it was developed to track the evolution and spread of the COVID-19 virus. The project is often referred to as PANGO lineages or cov-lineages.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak Lineages.
*   **Function:** Serves as a database and software tool for SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
*   **Initial Release:** Version 1.0 was released on April 29, 2020.
*   **Programming Language:** Python.
*   **License:** GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
*   **Latest Cited Version (Stable):** Version 2.3.5 (released March 23, 2021).
*   **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin`.
*   **Category:** Classified as both software and a biological database.
*   **Etymology:** The software is named after *Manis* (the pangolin animal), though the acronym stands for the descriptive title of the project.

## FAQs
### Q: What does the acronym PANGOLIN stand for?
A: It stands for **Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak Lineages**. It is also frequently referred to as "PANGO lineages" or "cov-lineages."

### Q: What is the primary purpose of this software?
A: The software is designed to manage a database of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. It functions as a non-tangible executable component that assigns global outbreak lineages to virus genetic data.

### Q: When was the software first made available?
A: The project was published on April 30, 2020, with the first software release (Version 1.0) appearing on April 29, 2020.

### Q: Where can the software be accessed?
A: The source code is available on GitHub, and the project maintains websites at `https://pangolin.cog-uk.io/` and `https://pango.network`.

## Why It Matters
PANGOLIN plays a critical role in the field of epidemiology and virology by providing a standardized system for naming and tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants. Before such tools, different research groups might use different names for the same viral mutations, causing confusion. By assigning specific "PANGO lineages" (such as B.1.1.7 or BA.1), this software allows scientists globally to communicate precisely about which variant of the virus they are studying.

This tool solves the problem of organizing vast amounts of genetic sequencing data generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a biological database written in Python, it bridges the gap between raw genetic data and actionable public health insights, helping researchers identify and monitor emerging variants of concern. Its open-source nature (GNU GPL v3.0) ensures that it remains accessible to the scientific community for widespread collaboration and data sharing.

## Notable For
*   **Hybrid Classification:** Uniquely classified as both a "biological database" and "software," serving a dual function in data storage and active lineage assignment.
*   **Rapid Development Cycle:** Demonstrated an exceptionally fast iteration pace in early 2020, releasing seven update versions (1.0 to 1.1.7) within the first week of its public release (April 29 to May 6, 2020).
*   **Standardized Nomenclature:** Established the "PANGO" naming system, which became a global standard for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants.
*   **Etymological Distinction:** While named after the pangolin animal (*Manis*)—a species initially associated with COVID-19 transmission theories—the acronym strictly refers to its function regarding "Phylogenetic Assignment."

## Body
### Definition and Scope
PANGOLIN is a project encompassing both a database and a software application. Its primary objective is the phylogenetic assignment of named global outbreak lineages, specifically focusing on SARS-CoV-2. It is described in Wikidata as a "database of SARS-CoV-2 lineages" and is an instance of software.

### Technical Specifications
The tool is built using the **Python** programming language, a general-purpose language widely used in scientific computing. It is distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**, ensuring it is free and open-source software.

*   **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub under the organization `cov-lineages`.
*   **Websites:** The project maintains a web interface at `pangolin.cog-uk.io` and an informational portal at `pango.network`.
*   **Logo:** The visual identity of the project is represented by a specific logo hosted on Wikimedia Commons.

### Version History
The development of PANGOLIN began in early 2020, with rapid updates to accommodate the fast-evolving nature of the virus.

*   **Initial Release:** Version 1.0 was published on April 29, 2020, followed immediately by Version 1.0.2 on April 30, 2020.
*   **Early Iterations:** The project saw frequent patch updates in its first week, including versions 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, and 1.1.7 between April 30 and May 6, 2020.
*   **Stable Release (2021):** According to the provided data, a stable version (2.3.5) was released on March 23, 2021.

### Naming and Identity
The entity holds several aliases and identifiers across different platforms:
*   **Aliases:** PANGO lineages, cov-lineages, PANGOLIN, PANGO系統.
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** `/g/11lsr4tc5v`.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entry exists in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, and others.

Despite the serious scientific acronym, the name is explicitly linked to the animal genus *Manis* (pangolins) in its metadata, reflecting the context of the virus's early zoological associations.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/)
2. [Release 2.3.5. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.5)
3. [Release 1.0. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/1.0)
4. [Release 1.0.2. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/1.0.2)
5. [Release 1.1. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1)
6. [Release 1.1.1. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
7. [Release 1.1.2. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.2)
8. [Release 1.1.4. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.4)
9. [Release 1.1.5. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.5)
10. [Release 1.1.6. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.6)
11. [Release 1.1.7. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.7)
12. [Release 1.1.8. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.8)
13. [Release 1.1.9. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.9)
14. [Release 1.1.10. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.10)
15. [Release 1.1.11. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.11)
16. [Release 1.1.12. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.12)
17. [Release 1.1.13. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.13)
18. [Release 1.1.14. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v1.1.14)
19. [Release 2.0. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0)
20. [Release 2.0.1. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.1)
21. [Release 2.0.2. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.2)
22. [Release 2.0.3. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.3)
23. [Release 2.0.4. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.4)
24. [Release 2.0.5. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.5)
25. [Release 2.0.6. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.6)
26. [Release 2.0.7. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.7)
27. [Release 2.0.8. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.8)
28. [Release 2.0.9. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.9)
29. [Release 2.0.10. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.10)
30. [Release 2.0.11. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.0.11)
31. [Release 2.1.0. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.0)
32. [Release 2.1.1. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.1)
33. [Release 2.1.2. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.2)
34. [Release 2.1.3. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.3)
35. [Release 2.1.4. 2020](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.4)
36. [Release 2.1.6. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.6)
37. [Release 2.1.7. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.7)
38. [Release 2.1.8. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.8)
39. [Release 2.1.9. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.9)
40. [Release 2.1.10. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.10)
41. [Release 2.1.11. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.1.11)
42. [Release 2.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.2.0)
43. [Release 2.2.1. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.2.1)
44. [Release 2.2.2. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.2.2)
45. [Release 2.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.0)
46. [Release 2.3.2. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.2)
47. [Release 2.3.3. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.3)
48. [Release 2.3.4. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.4)
49. [Release 2.3.6. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.6)
50. [Release 2.3.8. 2021](https://github.com/cov-lineages/pangolin/releases/tag/v2.3.8)