# Zope

> Free and open source web Application Server

**Wikidata**: [Q104238069](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104238069)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zope-q104238069

## Summary
Zope is a free and open-source web application server written in the Python programming language. It serves as a software project providing a web framework for building dynamic web applications. The platform is distributed under the Zope Public License and is available in active major versions including Zope 4 and Zope 5.

## Key Facts
- **Definition:** Zope is a free and open-source web application server.
- **Programming Language:** It is written in Python, a general-purpose programming language.
- **License:** The software is distributed under the Zope Public License.
- **Project Type:** It is classified as a free software project and functions as a web framework.
- **Versions:** Active versions include Zope 4 (stable version 4.5.3 released in 2020) and Zope 5 (stable version 5.13 released in March 2025).
- **Repository:** The source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/zopefoundation/Zope`.
- **Configuration:** Zope uses the Zope Configuration Markup Language (ZCML) as a readable file format.
- **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is Zope?
A: Zope is a free and open-source web application server and a web framework. It is used to build and run dynamic web applications and is written in the Python programming language.

### Q: What license does Zope use?
A: Zope is distributed under the Zope Public License. It is classified as free software, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: What are the current stable versions of Zope?
A: The recent stable versions include Zope 4.5.3 (released November 17, 2020) and Zope 5.13 (released March 18, 2025). Version 5.1, 5.1.1, and 5.6.0 were also released between 2020 and 2022.

## Why It Matters
Zope matters as a robust, open-source web application server that has sustained active development for decades. By providing a Python-based web framework, it empowers developers to build complex, dynamic web applications with a tool that is freely available for study and modification. Its continued evolution is evidenced by the release of version 5.13 in early 2025, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to maintenance and modernization within the Python web ecosystem. The project's adherence to free software principles under the Zope Public License ensures that it remains a transparent and collaborative resource for the development community.

## Notable For
- Being a free and open-source web application server written in Python.
- Sustained long-term development with active releases, including Zope 5.13 in March 2025.
- Using its own configuration format, the Zope Configuration Markup Language (ZCML).
- Operating under the Zope Public License, a distinct license for free software.
- Hosting its source code publicly on GitHub for community collaboration.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
Zope is a web application server and software project designed for creating web frameworks. It is an instance of free software and is classified as a copyrighted work. The platform is built using Python, a general-purpose programming language that was conceived in 1991.

### Licensing and Usage
As free software, Zope is distributed under terms that grant users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software and any modified versions. The specific license governing its distribution is the Zope Public License.

### Technical Specifications
Zope utilizes the Zope Configuration Markup Language (ZCML) as a readable file format for its configuration. The project's source code is maintained in a Git repository accessible via Smart HTTP over TLS at `https://github.com/zopefoundation/Zope`. Official documentation and project information are available at `https://zope.readthedocs.io/` and `https://www.zope.dev/`.

### Version History
Development of Zope is active, with multiple stable versions released across major version lines.
- **Zope 4:** Version 4.5.3 was released on November 17, 2020.
- **Zope 5:** This version line has seen multiple updates:
  - Version 5.1 was released on November 12, 2020.
  - Version 5.1.1 was released on February 10, 2021.
  - Version 5.6.0 was released on September 9, 2022.
  - Version 5.13, the most recent stable version, was released on March 18, 2025.

## References

1. [Release 4.5.3. 2020](https://github.com/zopefoundation/Zope/releases/tag/4.5.3)
2. [Release 5.1. 2020](https://github.com/zopefoundation/Zope/releases/tag/5.1)
3. [Source](https://github.com/zopefoundation/Zope/releases/tag/5.1.1)
4. [Change log. 2022](https://zope.readthedocs.io/en/latest/changes.html)