GNU
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Software
| Stands for | GNU's Not Unix |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
GNU stands for GNU's Not Unix, a software abbreviation.
Free operating-system project launched by Richard Stallman in 1983, whose compiler (GCC), C library, core utilities and Bash shell combine with the Linux kernel in most Linux distributions. It also gives its name to the GPL family of licenses.
Example: The GNU core utilities provide commands like ls, cp and grep on most Linux systems.
Usage notes
The name is a recursive acronym, a hacker joke, and is pronounced "guh-NOO" with a hard g, like the antelope that serves as its mascot. Stallman argues that Linux distributions should be called "GNU/Linux" to credit the project. GNU's own kernel, Hurd, has been under development since 1990 but never became mainstream.
Related abbreviations
More software abbreviations
- FW – Firmware
- GA – General availability
- GIMP – GNU Image Manipulation Program
- GM – Golden master
- GMS – Google Mobile Services
- GNOME – GNU Network Object Model Environment
- GPL – GNU General Public License
- GRUB – GRand Unified Bootloader
- i18n – Internationalization
- IAP – In-app purchase
- ISV – Independent software vendor
- KDE – K Desktop Environment