# Zee

> experimental lightweight editor

**Wikidata**: [Q112972318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112972318)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zee

## Summary
Zee is an experimental, lightweight text editor written in the Lua programming language. It is free software based on GNU Zile and functions as a subclass of the Emacs text editor. The project is currently maintained by Reuben Thomas.

## Key Facts
- **Version History**: Version 0.7.2 was released on June 5, 2016.
- **Repository**: The source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/rrthomas/zee`.
- **Programming Language**: The software is written in Lua, a lightweight programming language.
- **Foundation**: Zee is based on GNU Zile (Zile Is Lossy Emacs), which functions as a lightweight Emacs clone.
- **Category**: It is classified as both free software and a text editor.
- **Maintenance**: The project is maintained by developer Reuben Thomas.
- **Licensing**: Zee is part of the free software movement and is copyrighted.
- **Nature**: It is explicitly described as an "experimental" editor.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Zee used for?
A: Zee is an experimental text editor designed to be a lightweight tool for editing code and text. It serves as a free software alternative based on the architecture of GNU Zile and Emacs.

### Q: What programming language is Zee written in?
A: Zee is written in Lua, a lightweight programming language that was originally conceived in 1993.

### Q: Who maintains Zee?
A: Zee is maintained by Reuben Thomas. The project's source code and release history are available on GitHub.

### Q: Is Zee free to use?
A: Yes, Zee is free software. This means it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and any modified versions.

## Why It Matters
Zee occupies a specific niche in the software development ecosystem as an experiment in lightweight editing. While many modern editors strive for comprehensive feature sets that result in heavy resource consumption, Zee prioritizes a minimal footprint. By utilizing Lua—a language specifically noted for its lightweight nature and embeddability—Zee attempts to provide a powerful extension mechanism without the overhead associated with heavier scripting engines.

The project is significant as a modern iteration of the GNU Zile philosophy, which aims to provide a subset of Emacs functionality in a more portable and efficient package. As a subclass of Emacs, Zee appeals to users who desire the modal editing paradigms and flexibility associated with the Emacs lineage but require a tool that is more adaptable to constrained environments or specific experimental workflows.

Furthermore, Zee represents the ethos of the free software movement. By licensing the software under terms that allow for modification and redistribution, it empowers users to inspect the codebase—facilitated by its availability on GitHub—and adapt the tool to their specific needs. This ensures that the software serves as a learning tool and a base for future innovation rather than a static, closed product.

## Notable For
- **Lua Implementation**: Distinguishes itself from many other Emacs-likes (typically written in C or Emacs Lisp) by using Lua for a lightweight footprint.
- **Emacs Lineage**: It is a distinct subclass of Emacs, offering a familiar paradigm in a smaller package.
- **Experimental Status**: Unlike production-focused editors, Zee is explicitly labeled as experimental, serving as a testbed for lightweight editor design.
- **Free Software Commitment**: It is fully aligned with the free software movement, granting extensive liberties to its user base.

## Body

### Development and Repository
Zee is an active free software project maintained by Reuben Thomas. The development is centralized around its source code repository hosted on GitHub. The project is copyrighted but adheres to the principles of the free software movement, allowing for broad usage and modification rights.

The most recent cited release in the provided records is **Version 0.7.2**, which was published on June 5, 2016. This release serves as a benchmark for the project's state of feature development and stability.

### Technical Architecture
The editor is constructed using the **Lua** programming language. Lua is defined as a lightweight programming language created in 1993, known for its efficiency and ease of embedding. This choice of language aligns with Zee's goal of remaining a lightweight editor.

Zee is structurally defined as a **subclass of Emacs**. It is technically **based on GNU Zile**, an existing lightweight Emacs clone. This architecture allows Zee to inherit the editing logic and keybindings typical of the Emacs family while stripping away the extensive libraries found in full GNU Emacs installations to ensure faster performance and lower memory usage.

### Classification and Status
Zee holds a dual classification as both a **text editor** and **free software**. Its wikidata description explicitly characterizes it as an "experimental lightweight editor." The software is written in English and is accessible to the public via its web portal.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/rrthomas/zee/blob/master/THANKS)
2. [Release 0.7.2. 2016](https://github.com/rrthomas/zee/releases/tag/v0.7.2)