# ruby-pdfkit

> PDF Ruby library

**Wikidata**: [Q110908969](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110908969)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ruby-pdfkit

## Summary
Ruby-pdfkit is a free software library designed for the Ruby programming language to facilitate the generation and manipulation of PDF documents. Distributed under the permissive Expat license, the library is actively maintained, with its most recent stable release (version 0.8.7.3) published in May 2023. It is accessible via GitHub and is compatible with Unix-like operating systems such as BSD.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Software library / Free software.
- **Aliases:** `pdfkit`, `rubygem-pdfkit`.
- **License:** Expat license (often synonymous with the MIT license).
- **Latest Version:** 0.8.7.3 (released May 30, 2023).
- **Programming Language:** Ruby.
- **Source Repository:** [https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit)
- **Package ID:** `pdfkit` on RubyGems.
- **Operating System:** Unix-like systems, specifically cited as running on BSD.
- **FreeBSD Port:** `graphics/rubygem-pdfkit`.
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What is ruby-pdfkit used for?
A: Ruby-pdfkit is a library for the Ruby programming language used to create and manage PDF files. It allows developers to integrate PDF generation capabilities directly into their Ruby applications.

### Q: Under what license is ruby-pdfkit distributed?
A: The library is distributed as free software under the **Expat license**. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and any modified versions.

### Q: What is the most recent version of ruby-pdfkit?
A: The most recent version is **0.8.7.3**, which was released on May 30, 2023.

### Q: Where can the source code be accessed?
A: The source code is maintained in a Git repository hosted on GitHub at `github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit`.

## Why It Matters
Ruby-pdfkit serves as a vital utility in the Ruby ecosystem, bridging the gap between raw data or HTML content and the portable document format (PDF) standard required for reporting and documentation. By defining itself as "free software" under the Expat license, it ensures that developers can integrate it into both open-source and proprietary commercial projects without licensing fees or legal encumbrances.

Its significance is highlighted by its active development history, evidenced by multiple releases between 2020 and 2023. This responsiveness to maintenance suggests a reliable tool for developers needing long-term stability. Furthermore, its specific availability as a FreeBSD port (`graphics/rubygem-pdfkit`) underscores its compatibility and utility within broader Unix-like server environments, extending beyond standard web application containers.

## Notable For
- **Licensing:** Distributed under the Expat license, maximizing freedom for modification and redistribution.
- **Active Maintenance:** Demonstrates a consistent release cadence with seven distinct versions released between April 2020 and May 2023.
- **Cross-Platform Availability:** While built for Ruby, it is explicitly integrated into the BSD software ecosystem via a dedicated FreeBSD port.
- **Standardization:** Packaged via RubyGems, making it easily installable for standard Ruby development environments.

## Body
### Technical Classification and Licensing
Ruby-pdfkit is classified as a **software library** and **free software**. It is written in the **Ruby** programming language. The project is copyrighted but freely distributed under the **Expat license**, which grants users extensive permissions to use, modify, and distribute the code. The library is identified by the gem ID `pdfkit` and is available for installation via standard RubyGems methods.

### Version History
The development of ruby-pdfkit shows active maintenance, particularly between 2020 and 2023. Key releases include:
- **0.8.4.2:** Released April 1, 2020.
- **0.8.4.3.1:** Released July 6, 2020.
- **0.8.4.3.2:** Released August 16, 2020.
- **0.8.6:** Released April 11, 2022.
- **0.8.7:** Released October 2, 2022.
- **0.8.7.1:** Released October 17, 2022.
- **0.8.7.2:** Released October 18, 2022.
- **0.8.7.3 (Preferred):** Released May 30, 2023.

### Availability and Source Code
The primary source code repository is hosted on **GitHub** at `https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit`. While the library serves general Ruby applications, it is explicitly noted to run on **BSD** (Berkeley Software Distribution) operating systems, with a specific port available at `graphics/rubygem-pdfkit` for FreeBSD users. The project documentation and website are primarily presented in English.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [Release 0.8.4.2. 2020](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/0.8.4.2)
3. [Release 0.8.4.3.1. 2020](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.4.3.1)
4. [Release 0.8.4.3.2. 2020](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.4.3.2)
5. [Release 0.8.6. 2022](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.6)
6. [Release 0.8.7. 2022](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.7)
7. [Release 0.8.7.1. 2022](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.7.1)
8. [Release 0.8.7.2. 2022](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.7.2)
9. [Release 0.8.7.3. 2023](https://github.com/pdfkit/pdfkit/releases/tag/v0.8.7.3)