# uTox

> lightweight Tox client

**Wikidata**: [Q104696294](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104696294)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/utox

## Summary
uTox is a lightweight, free software instant messaging client that implements the Tox protocol for secure, decentralized communication. It is available on multiple platforms including Android, Microsoft Windows, and Unix-like operating systems.

## Key Facts
- uTox is licensed under the MIT License, a permissive free software license
- The software is available on Android, Microsoft Windows, and Unix-like operating systems
- uTox has multiple versions released between 2015-2016, with the latest being 0.11.0 from December 13, 2016
- It is packaged for various Linux distributions including Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, and openSUSE
- uTox is implemented in C++ and has ports available for FreeBSD and OpenBSD
- The source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/uTox/uTox
- uTox is categorized as both an instant messaging client and free software

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms does uTox support?
A: uTox supports Android, Microsoft Windows, and Unix-like operating systems including Linux distributions and BSD variants.

### Q: Is uTox free software?
A: Yes, uTox is free software distributed under the MIT License, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: What protocol does uTox use?
A: uTox implements the Tox protocol, which provides secure, decentralized instant messaging and video calling capabilities.

### Q: Where can I get uTox?
A: uTox can be downloaded from its GitHub repository at https://github.com/uTox/uTox or installed via package managers on various Linux distributions.

### Q: What programming language is uTox written in?
A: uTox is implemented in C++.

## Why It Matters
uTox matters because it provides a lightweight, privacy-focused alternative to mainstream instant messaging applications. By implementing the Tox protocol, it offers end-to-end encrypted communication without relying on centralized servers, addressing growing concerns about privacy and data collection in digital communications. Its cross-platform availability and presence in major Linux distributions make it accessible to a wide range of users seeking secure messaging solutions. The software's free and open-source nature allows for community scrutiny and improvement, ensuring transparency and trust in its security claims.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few lightweight Tox protocol clients available across multiple platforms
- Maintaining a minimal footprint while implementing full Tox protocol features
- Having active development and regular releases between 2015-2016
- Being packaged in major Linux distributions, making it easily installable for Linux users
- Implementing the MIT License, which encourages widespread adoption and modification

## Body
### Development and Versions
uTox has seen consistent development with multiple releases between 2015 and 2016. The version history shows a steady progression from 0.5.0 (December 20, 2015) through 0.11.0 (December 13, 2016), indicating active maintenance and feature additions during this period.

### Technical Implementation
The client is implemented in C++, chosen for its performance characteristics suitable for a lightweight application. The source code is maintained in a Git repository hosted on GitHub, using Smart HTTP over TLS for secure access.

### Distribution and Availability
uTox has been packaged for numerous operating systems and distributions:
- Linux: Available in Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, and openSUSE repositories
- BSD: Has specific ports for FreeBSD (net-im/uTox) and OpenBSD (net/utox)
- Android: Available as a mobile client
- Windows: Supports Microsoft Windows platforms

### Licensing and Freedom
The software is distributed under the MIT License, one of the most permissive free software licenses. This licensing choice allows for broad adoption and modification while maintaining the software's free status. The copyright status is explicitly noted as copyrighted, despite being free software.

### Protocol Implementation
As a Tox protocol client, uTox provides:
- Decentralized instant messaging without central servers
- End-to-end encryption for secure communications
- Video calling capabilities
- Group chat functionality

The implementation follows the Tox protocol specifications, ensuring compatibility with other Tox clients while maintaining its lightweight approach.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/blob/develop/LICENSE)
2. [Source](https://tox.chat/clients.html)
3. [Release 0.5.0. 2015](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
4. [Release 0.6.1. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.6.1)
5. [Release 0.8.0. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
6. [Release 0.8.1. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.8.1)
7. [Release 0.9.1. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.9.1)
8. [Release 0.9.3. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.9.3)
9. [Release 0.9.4. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.9.4)
10. [Release 0.9.7. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.9.7)
11. [Release 0.9.8. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.9.8)
12. [Release 0.11.0. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.11.0)
13. [Release 0.11.1. 2016](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.11.1)
14. [Release 0.12.0. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.12.0)
15. [Release 0.12.1. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.12.1)
16. [Release 0.12.2. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.12.2)
17. [Release 0.13.0. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.13.0)
18. [Release 0.13.1. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.13.1)
19. [Release 0.14.0. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
20. [Release 0.15.0. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
21. [Release 0.16.0. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
22. [Release 0.16.1. 2017](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.16.1)
23. [Release 0.17.0. 2018](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
24. [Release 0.17.1. 2019](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.17.1)
25. [Release 0.17.2. 2020](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.17.2)
26. [Release 0.18.0. 2020](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.18.0)
27. [Release 0.18.1. 2021](https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/tag/v0.18.1)