# xHarbour

> free multi-platform extended Clipper compiler

**Wikidata**: [Q2293187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2293187)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xharbour

## Summary
xHarbour is a free, multi-platform extended Clipper compiler, first released in 2001. It is a procedural programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine, with implementations available across different operating systems.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: xHarbour was first released in 2001.
- **Type**: It is a programming language classified as a procedural programming language.
- **Platform**: A free, multi-platform extended Clipper compiler.
- **Wikipedia presence**: Available in Spanish (es), Italian (it), Malay (ms), and Cantonese (zh_yue).
- **Wikidata ID**: Q15241312 (referenced in Freebase as /m/05gv1_).
- **Sitelinks**: Has 4 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating limited but existing documentation.
- **Description**: Officially described as a "free multi-platform extended Clipper compiler."

## FAQs
### Q: What is xHarbour used for?
A: xHarbour is a procedural programming language designed to communicate instructions to a machine. It serves as an extended Clipper compiler, making it useful for software development tasks.

### Q: Is xHarbour free to use?
A: Yes, xHarbour is a free multi-platform extended Clipper compiler, meaning it can be used without cost.

### Q: What platforms does xHarbour support?
A: While the source does not specify exact platforms, it is described as a multi-platform compiler, implying compatibility with various operating systems.

### Q: Who developed xHarbour?
A: The source does not provide specific details about the developers or creators of xHarbour.

### Q: How does xHarbour differ from other Clipper compilers?
A: xHarbour is an extended Clipper compiler, but the source does not elaborate on its specific differences from other implementations.

## Why It Matters
xHarbour plays a niche role in the programming language ecosystem by providing a free, multi-platform solution for Clipper-based development. As a procedural programming language, it allows developers to write instructions for machine execution, which is fundamental to software creation. Its availability in multiple languages (Spanish, Italian, Malay, and Cantonese) suggests a global but limited user base. While its exact impact is not detailed, its existence as a free compiler for a procedural language makes it relevant for developers seeking cost-effective tools for Clipper-based projects.

## Notable For
- **Free and multi-platform**: Unlike proprietary compilers, xHarbour is freely available and supports multiple operating systems.
- **Extended Clipper compiler**: It builds upon the Clipper language, offering additional features or improvements.
- **Procedural programming focus**: It adheres to the procedural paradigm, which is foundational in many programming contexts.
- **Limited but existing documentation**: With Wikipedia entries in four languages, it indicates some level of community or developer interest.

## Body
### Overview
xHarbour is a free, multi-platform extended Clipper compiler, first released in 2001. It is classified as a procedural programming language, meaning it follows a structured approach to executing instructions.

### Technical Details
- **Language classification**: Procedural programming, which involves a sequence of instructions executed in order.
- **Platform support**: Described as multi-platform, though specific operating systems are not listed.
- **Compiler type**: An extended Clipper compiler, implying it builds upon or enhances the original Clipper language.

### Availability and Documentation
- **Wikipedia presence**: Available in Spanish, Italian, Malay, and Cantonese, indicating limited but existing documentation.
- **Sitelinks**: Four Wikipedia sitelinks, suggesting a modest but present online presence.

### Significance
- **Free software**: Its availability as free software makes it accessible to developers without licensing costs.
- **Niche role**: As an extended Clipper compiler, it serves a specific need within the procedural programming language ecosystem.

### Limitations
- **Lack of specific details**: The source material does not provide information on developers, exact platform support, or unique features compared to other Clipper compilers.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013