KDE
Manifesto
What is KDE
KDE is an Open Source desktop environment built from components that meet the Open Source guidelines in full.
KDE is OpenSource (TM)
No Compromises
KDE is open and "free" in the full sense of the word.
International
KDE is truly international. KDE has been translated into more than 50 languages with more to come. The KDE developer community draws its members from all over the world.
KDE is truly international and not bound to any single culture
Commitment to Excellence
The KDE project is deeply concerned with the stability and usability of the KDE desktop. At all times we do our best to keep hype and propaganda to a minimum and try to deliver high quality work that is suitable for use by beginners and computer experts alike. In short, KDE is committed to excellence.
KDE avoids hype and is committed to excellence.
KDE is a True Internet Project
KDE is a true Internet project in the utmost sense of the word. KDE was founded by GNU/Linux hackers who saw the need for a great graphical desktop environment for the Unix platform. All development is open and is discussed and published on the Internet. Communication takes place on our mailing lists, as well as on our USENET newsgroups: comp.windows.x.kde as well as de.alt.comp.kde; to these anyone and everyone may contribute. The KDE Project is thus since its founding in October 1996 part of the venerable line of other well known OpenSource Internet projects such as the Linux Kernel, Apache, Perl, Emacs and others.
KDE is a true open cross-cultural Internet project.
Commercial Use
KDE supports and always has supported commercial uses of the desktop environment. All KDE core libraries are published under the LGPL.
KDE is open to commercial use.
Vendor Neutral
No component of the interface is controlled solely by one company, or restricted from modification. Any organization or person however large or small can contribute to KDE. Everyone is welcome to contribute and everyone is permitted to distribute modified versions of KDE.
Truly open. No core component is non Open Source
Language Bindings
KDE enforces no programming language restrictions on a developer. The core libraries are written in C++ so are fast and efficient and exhibit all the countless advantages of modern object oriented software engineering. Binding to languages such as Python, TK/TCL and others are available.
If you want to add bindings for another language we will be delighted to help.
Window Manager
KDE uses Extended Window Manager Hints for window managers. If you use a window manager that supports this standard it will co-operate nicely with the KDE desktop. Even with window managers that do not support this standard, individual KDE applications will still work fine.
No religion - pick any window manager
Themes
KDE puts the user in control of the look and feel of the desktop. KDE provides a wide variety of theming possibilities so that users can create an environment that is most comfortable for them.
User driven look and feel
Portability
KDE and its libraries are intended to be portable to all Unix-like platforms. KDE seeks to avoid ties with any platform specific interfaces where possible, and when not possible to provide code for all platforms. In fact KDE is available for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Sun-Solaris, and many other platforms.
Multiple operating systems
