# Scalpel

> open source data carving tool

**Wikidata**: [Q112135552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112135552)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scalpel-q112135552

## Summary
Scalpel is an open source data carving tool used for data recovery. It is free software distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0 and is designed to extract files from disk images based on file headers and footers.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: Scalpel
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0
- **Publication Date**: 2005
- **Instance Of**: Free software, Data recovery software
- **Operating Systems**: Linux (inception: 1991-09-17), Microsoft Windows (inception: 1985-11-20), macOS (inception: 2001-03-24)
- **Programming Language**: Q15777, Q2407
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted
- **Source Repository**: https://github.com/sleuthkit/scalpel (Qualifier: P8423: Q186055, P10627: Q364)
- **Use Case**: Data recovery

## FAQs
### Q: What is Scalpel used for?
A: Scalpel is a data carving tool used for extracting files from disk images. It works by identifying file headers and footers to recover data even when file system structures are damaged.

### Q: Is Scalpel free software?
A: Yes, Scalpel is free software distributed under the terms of the Apache Software License 2.0. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions.

### Q: What operating systems does Scalpel run on?
A: Scalpel runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.

## Why It Matters
Scalpel plays a crucial role in digital forensics and data recovery by enabling users to salvage critical data from storage media when conventional file system recovery methods fail. Its open-source nature fosters transparency and collaboration, allowing forensic professionals, developers, and investigators worldwide to rely on and improve the tool. By focusing on data carving—identifying and reconstructing files solely by their binary signatures—Scalpel provides a vital alternative for recovering deleted or corrupted data, making it an essential utility in scenarios involving data loss, investigations, or archaeological recovery of digital information.

## Notable For
- Being an open-source data carving tool under the Apache Software License 2.0.
- Cross-platform compatibility across Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.
- Specialization in file carving based on file headers and footers for data recovery.
- Development and maintenance under the SleuthKit project (indicated by repository qualifiers).

## Body
### Overview
Scalpel is a specialized data recovery tool focused on data carving. Its primary function is to extract files directly from disk images by identifying file signatures (headers and footers), bypassing the need for a functional file system.

### Technical Specifications
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0
- **Publication Date**: 2005
- **Instance Classification**: Free software, Data recovery software
- **Copyright**: Copyrighted
- **Supported Operating Systems**:
  - Linux (inception: 1991-09-17)
  - Microsoft Windows (inception: 1985-11-20)
  - macOS (inception: 2001-03-24)
- **Programming Language**: Q15777, Q2407 (specific language names not provided in source)
- **Source Code Repository**: Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/sleuthkit/scalpel, with qualifiers indicating its association with The SleuthKit (Q186055) and belonging to the category of free software (Q364).
- **Primary Use Case**: Data recovery through file carving.