# Unicon

> programming language descended from Icon

**Wikidata**: [Q3279945](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3279945)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicon_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/unicon

## Summary
Unicon is a cross-platform programming language descended from Icon. It supports both object-oriented and procedural programming paradigms. The language is available as open source software under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Programming language.
- **Influenced by:** Icon programming language (created in 1977).
- **License:** GNU General Public License.
- **Operating System:** Cross-platform.
- **Programming Paradigms:** Object-oriented programming and procedural programming.
- **Website:** http://unicon.sourceforge.net/
- **SourceForge Project:** unicon
- **Wikipedia Title:** Unicon (programming language)
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is Unicon?
A: Unicon is a high-level programming language that supports both object-oriented and procedural programming paradigms. It is designed to be cross-platform.

### Q: What is the relationship between Unicon and Icon?
A: Unicon is directly influenced by and descended from the Icon programming language, which was originally created in 1977.

### Q: Is Unicon free to use?
A: Yes, Unicon is released under the GNU General Public License, making it open source and free to use, though it maintains a copyrighted status.

### Q: Where can Unicon be downloaded?
A: Unicon is hosted on SourceForge at http://unicon.sourceforge.net/.

## Why It Matters
Unicon serves as a modern extension of the Icon programming lineage, adapting the language's capabilities for contemporary computing needs. By maintaining the core features of Icon while introducing support for object-oriented programming, Unicon bridges the gap between classic high-level languages and modern software development paradigms.

Its significance lies in its accessibility and versatility. As a cross-platform tool released under the GNU General Public License, it provides developers and researchers with a free, modifiable environment for exploring high-level programming concepts. The language is particularly relevant for those studying the evolution of programming languages or seeking alternatives to mainstream options, offering a unique blend of historical computing principles and modern functionality.

## Notable For
- Being a descendant of the Icon programming language (created in 1977).
- Supporting both object-oriented and procedural programming paradigms.
- Operating as a cross-platform language.
- Availability under the GNU General Public License.
- Active presence on Wikipedia across seven languages (ar, cs, en, ms, pt, zh, zh_yue).

## Body
### Origin and Lineage
Unicon is a programming language identified as a direct descendant of Icon. The parent language, Icon, was developed with an inception date of 1977. Unicon retains the foundational elements of Icon while expanding upon its capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
The language is classified as a high-level programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine. It supports multiple programming paradigms, specifically:
- Object-oriented programming
- Procedural programming

Unicon is designed to function across various operating environments, classified as cross-platform software.

### Licensing and Availability
Unicon is distributed under the GNU General Public License. The project is hosted on SourceForge under the project name "unicon." Its official website is located at http://unicon.sourceforge.net/.

### Digital Presence
The language has a documented presence across multiple digital encyclopedias and databases:
- **Wikipedia:** Available in 7 languages including English, Arabic, Czech, Malay, Portuguese, Chinese, and Cantonese.
- **Wikidata Description:** "programming language descended from Icon."
- **Freebase ID:** /m/03n9v6 (recorded prior to 2013).
- **Microsoft Academic ID:** 2776123927 (discontinued service).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013