# Pharo

> open-source Smalltalk environment

**Wikidata**: [Q369096](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369096)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pharo

## Summary
Pharo is an open-source Smalltalk environment, released in 2008, designed for object-oriented and reflective programming. It supports dynamic typing and runs on Windows and macOS, with versions like 7.0 and 8.0 available under the MIT License.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Released in 2008.
- **License**: Distributed under the MIT License.
- **Operating Systems**: Runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS.
- **Programming Language**: Based on Smalltalk.
- **Typing Discipline**: Uses dynamic typing.
- **Latest Version**: Version 8.0.1 (released 2020-01-24).
- **Programming Paradigms**: Supports object-oriented and reflective programming.
- **Influenced By**: Derived from Smalltalk.
- **Award**: Nominated for the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software (2025).
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [pharo-project/pharo](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Pharo used for?
A: Pharo is used for object-oriented and reflective programming, making it suitable for rapid prototyping, educational purposes, and research in programming languages.

### Q: Is Pharo free to use?
A: Yes, Pharo is open-source and available under the MIT License, allowing free use, modification, and distribution.

### Q: Which operating systems does Pharo support?
A: Pharo supports Microsoft Windows and macOS, with plans for broader compatibility.

### Q: What programming language is Pharo based on?
A: Pharo is based on Smalltalk, inheriting its object-oriented and reflective programming features.

### Q: How do I install Pharo?
A: You can download Pharo from the official website ([pharo.org](https://pharo.org/)) or install it via package managers like AUR (Arch Linux) or FreeBSD ports.

## Why It Matters
Pharo is significant in the programming language ecosystem as an open-source Smalltalk environment that emphasizes reflective programming and dynamic typing. Its development since 2008 has contributed to advancements in object-oriented design and educational tools. By running on Windows and macOS, Pharo provides a cross-platform solution for developers and researchers. Its MIT License ensures accessibility, fostering community contributions and innovation. Pharo’s influence extends to academic research and practical applications, making it a notable project in the open-source software landscape.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Smalltalk**: One of the few open-source implementations of Smalltalk, bridging academic research and practical development.
- **Reflective Programming**: Supports runtime introspection and modification, enabling advanced programming techniques.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Available on Windows and macOS, with potential for broader operating system compatibility.
- **Educational Tool**: Used in programming education for its interactive environment and live coding features.
- **Community-Driven**: Actively maintained with regular updates and a vibrant developer community.

## Body
### Overview
Pharo is an open-source Smalltalk environment developed since 2008, designed for object-oriented and reflective programming. It supports dynamic typing and is distributed under the MIT License, making it accessible for free use and modification.

### Development and Releases
Pharo has undergone several major releases, including versions 6.0.0 (2017-06-08), 7.0.0 (2019-01-22), and 8.0.1 (2020-01-24). The project is actively maintained, with beta versions like 13.0 in development.

### Technical Specifications
- **Programming Language**: Smalltalk-based, with support for object-oriented and reflective programming.
- **Typing Discipline**: Dynamic typing allows for flexible and expressive code.
- **Operating Systems**: Compatible with Microsoft Windows and macOS, with plans for broader compatibility.

### Awards and Recognition
Pharo has been nominated for the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software, highlighting its impact on academic and research communities.

### Community and Support
Pharo benefits from a strong community, with resources available on GitHub and forums. It is used in educational settings and research, contributing to advancements in programming language design.

### Future Directions
Ongoing development includes beta versions like 13.0, indicating continuous innovation and community engagement.

## References

1. [Remise des prix science ouverte du logiciel libre de recherche, édition 2025. 2025](https://www.ouvrirlascience.fr/remise-des-prix-science-ouverte-du-logiciel-libre-de-recherche-edition-2025/)
2. [Source](https://pharo.org/news/pharo7.0-released)
3. [Source](http://forum.world.st/ANN-Pharo-8-0-development-started-td5091798.html#a5092113)
4. [Source](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.4)
5. [Release 6.0.0. 2017](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/6.0.0)
6. [Release 7.0.0. 2019](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.0)
7. [Release 7.0.1. 2019](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.1)
8. [Release 7.0.2. 2019](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.2)
9. [Release 7.0.3. 2019](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.3)
10. [Release 8.0.0. 2020](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v8.0.0)
11. [Release 8.0.1. 2020](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v8.0.1)
12. [Release 7.0.5. 2020](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v7.0.5)
13. [Release 9.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v9.0.0)
14. [Release 10.0.0. 2022](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v10.0.0)
15. [Source](https://pharo.org/news/pharo11-released.html)
16. [Source](https://pharo.org/news/2024-04-26-pharo12-released.html)
17. [Release 12.0.0. 2024](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v12.0.0)
18. [Release 13.0.0. 2025](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v13.0.0)
19. [Release 13.1.0. 2025](https://github.com/pharo-project/pharo/releases/tag/v13.1.0)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013