# Zandronum

> Doom source port

**Wikidata**: [Q10724164](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10724164)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zandronum

## Summary
Zandronum is a free software source port for the video game Doom. It is based on the Skulltag source port and is distributed under the 4-clause BSD License. The project is designed to be cross-platform, with specific identifiers for Linux and various package repositories.

## Key Facts
- **License:** Distributed under the 4-clause BSD License.
- **Base:** The software is based on Skulltag, a previous Doom source port.
- **Website:** The official website is located at `https://zandronum.com`.
- **Source Code:** The preferred source code repository is hosted on Heptapod (`foss.heptapod.net`) using Mercurial; a mirror exists on GitHub.
- **Package Identifiers:** Available via Flathub (`com.zandronum.Zandronum`), AUR (`zandronum`), and Chocolatey (`zandronum`).
- **Classification:** Defined as an instance of a "source port" and "free software."
- **Database IDs:** Listed on PCGamingWiki as `Engine:Zandronum`, Doom Wiki as `Zandronum`, and IGDB as `zandronum`.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is Zandronum?
A: Zandronum is a Doom source port classified as free software. It allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### Q: Under what license is Zandronum distributed?
A: Zandronum is distributed under the 4-clause BSD License.

### Q: Where can the source code for Zandronum be found?
A: The primary source code repository is hosted on Heptapod utilizing Mercurial version control. A mirror of the repository is also available on GitHub.

### Q: Is Zandronum available on Linux?
A: Yes, the project has specific identifiers for Linux, including a UVL Game ID (219619) and an Arch User Repository (AUR) package named `zandronum`.

## Why It Matters
Zandronum represents a significant continuation of the Doom engine's lifecycle through the "source port" ecosystem. By being based on Skulltag, it inherits a lineage of enhancements tailored for modern hardware while maintaining the legacy of the original game. Its strict classification as **free software** is crucial; under the 4-clause BSD License, it grants users extensive liberties to study, modify, and redistribute the code. This openness fosters a dedicated community and ensures the engine remains adaptable to contemporary operating systems, evidenced by its availability on modern platforms like Flathub and inclusion in various Linux package managers.

The project serves as a bridge between classic gaming and modern utility. It is tracked by major gaming databases (IGDB, PCGamingWiki) and repositories (Repology), highlighting its relevance in both gaming and open-source software circles. The existence of a dedicated Mastodon presence and an active issue tracker further indicates an ongoing commitment to maintenance and community engagement.

## Notable For
- **Free Software License:** Distinguishes itself by using the permissive 4-clause BSD License.
- **Cross-Platform Availability:** Supports a wide range of distribution methods, including Flathub, Chocolatey, and the Arch User Repository.
- **Lineage:** Acts as the direct successor or derivative of Skulltag within the Doom modding ecosystem.
- **Centralized Development:** Utilizes Heptapod and Mercurial for its primary development workflow rather than the more common GitHub/Git combination.
- **Wiki Presence:** Maintains documented entries on specialized wikis including the Doom Wiki, Fandom, and PCGamingWiki.

## Body

### Development and Licensing
Zandronum is developed as a continuation of the Doom engine technology. It is explicitly classified as **free software**, a classification that entails the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software. The project operates under the **4-clause BSD License**, as verified by the license text found in its repository.

The development infrastructure is centered around a **Mercurial** repository hosted on **Heptapod** (`foss.heptapod.net/zandronum/zandronum-stable`). While a mirror is maintained on GitHub (`github.com/TorrSamaho/zandronum/`), the Heptapod repository is listed as the preferred source. An official issue tracker is accessible to the public at `https://zandronum.com/tracker`.

### Platform and Distribution
Zandronum is widely indexed across gaming and software databases, signifying its broad compatibility and recognition.
- **Linux Support:** The software has a specific UVL Game ID (219619) for Linux and is available in the Arch User Repository (AUR) under the name `zandronum`.
- **Universal Packages:** It is distributed via Flathub with the ID `com.zandronum.Zandronum` and is available on Chocolatey for Windows.
- **Gaming Databases:** The engine is tracked by PCGamingWiki (`Engine:Zandronum`), the Internet Game Database (ID: `zandronum`), Mod DB, and Indie DB.

### Online Presence
The project maintains an official website at `zandronum.com`. As of late 2024, the project established a presence on Mastodon (`zandronum@mastodon.gamedev.place`), providing updates in English. The project is also documented on the Doom Wiki (ID: `15558`) and has a Swedish language Wikipedia entry.

## References

1. [Source](https://bitbucket.org/Torr_Samaho/zandronum/src/default/LICENSE.txt)
2. [Zandronum (@zandronum@mastodon.gamedev.place) - Gamedev Mastodon](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@zandronum)
3. [Source](https://zandronum.com)
4. [Zandronum - The Doom Wiki at DoomWiki.org](https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Zandronum)