# RNP

> OpenPGP library

**Wikidata**: [Q110965439](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110965439)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rnp

## Summary
RNP is an open-source OpenPGP library that implements RFC 4880, providing encryption and digital signature functionality. It is distributed as free software under terms that allow users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it, making it a versatile tool for secure communication.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Software library and encryption software
- **License**: Free software (allows modification and redistribution)
- **Implementation**: RFC 4880 (OpenPGP Message Format)
- **Dependencies**: Botan cryptographic library
- **Programming Language**: C++
- **Latest Version**: 0.15.1 (released on 2021-06-02)
- **Website**: [https://www.rnpgp.org/](https://www.rnpgp.org/)
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp)
- **Logo**: [RNP logo (2018)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/RNP_logo_2018.svg)

## FAQs
### Q: What is RNP used for?
A: RNP is used for implementing OpenPGP encryption and digital signatures, enabling secure communication and data protection.

### Q: Is RNP free to use?
A: Yes, RNP is distributed as free software, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it under permissive terms.

### Q: What cryptographic standards does RNP support?
A: RNP implements RFC 4880, the OpenPGP Message Format standard, ensuring compatibility with widely used encryption protocols.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for RNP?
A: The source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp).

### Q: What programming language is RNP written in?
A: RNP is primarily written in C++.

## Why It Matters
RNP plays a crucial role in the field of secure communication by providing a robust, open-source implementation of OpenPGP. Its adherence to RFC 4880 ensures compatibility with existing encryption standards, making it a valuable tool for developers and users who require secure data transmission. As free software, RNP empowers individuals and organizations to audit, modify, and distribute the code, fostering transparency and trust in digital security solutions. By leveraging the Botan cryptographic library, RNP enhances its security capabilities, making it a reliable choice for encryption needs. Its availability on GitHub also encourages community contributions, further improving its functionality and reliability over time.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Implementation**: RNP is one of the few open-source libraries that fully implements RFC 4880, making it a critical resource for secure communication.
- **Free Software**: Its permissive licensing allows users to freely use, modify, and redistribute the software, promoting transparency and customization.
- **Dependency on Botan**: RNP’s reliance on the Botan cryptographic library ensures strong security and performance.
- **GitHub Hosting**: The project is hosted on GitHub, facilitating community contributions and collaboration.
- **Compliance with Standards**: RNP’s adherence to RFC 4880 ensures compatibility with widely adopted encryption protocols.

## Body
### Overview
RNP is an open-source software library that implements the OpenPGP standard as defined in RFC 4880. It provides encryption and digital signature functionality, making it a key tool for secure communication.

### Development and Licensing
RNP is developed as free software, meaning it is distributed under terms that allow users to run, study, modify, and redistribute the software. This approach ensures transparency and community involvement in its development.

### Technical Specifications
- **Programming Language**: RNP is primarily written in C++.
- **Dependencies**: The library relies on the Botan cryptographic library for its security features.
- **Latest Version**: The most recent stable release is version 0.15.1, published on June 2, 2021.

### Availability and Accessibility
- **Website**: The official website is [https://www.rnpgp.org/](https://www.rnpgp.org/).
- **Source Code**: The source code is hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp), where users can access, contribute to, and modify the code.

### Logo and Branding
- **Logo**: The RNP logo, designed in 2018, is available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Version History
RNP has released multiple versions, including 0.9.1, 0.9.2, 0.10.0, 0.11.0, 0.12.0, 0.13.0, 0.13.1, 0.14.0, 0.15.0, and 0.15.1, all published on June 2, 2021. Each version is documented on the GitHub repository with release notes and source code.

## References

1. [Release 0.9.1. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.9.1)
2. [Release 0.9.2. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.9.2)
3. [Release 0.10.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.10.0)
4. [Release 0.11.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.11.0)
5. [Release 0.12.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.12.0)
6. [Release 0.13.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.13.0)
7. [Release 0.13.1. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.13.1)
8. [Release 0.14.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
9. [Release 0.15.0. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
10. [Release 0.15.1. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.15.1)
11. [Release 0.15.2. 2021](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.15.2)
12. [Release 0.16.0. 2022](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
13. [Release 0.16.1. 2022](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.16.1)
14. [Release 0.16.2. 2022](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.16.2)
15. [Release 0.16.3. 2023](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.16.3)
16. [Release 0.17.0. 2023](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
17. [Release 0.17.1. 2024](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.17.1)
18. [Release 0.18.0. 2025](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.18.0)
19. [Release 0.18.1. 2025](https://github.com/rnpgp/rnp/releases/tag/v0.18.1)