KDE (originally K Desktop Environment) is a free and open-source desktop environment for Unix-like systems. Founded by Matthias Ettrich in 1996, it brought a consistent, user-friendly graphical interface to Linux.
Origins
Matthias Ettrich started KDE in 1996 because Linux lacked a consistent desktop environment. He chose Qt as the toolkit, which provided the foundation for professional-quality applications.
Design Goals
KDE aimed to provide:
- Consistency: Unified look and applications
- Usability: Desktop environment for everyday users
- Customization: Highly configurable interface
- Integration: Applications that work well together
Evolution
KDE has evolved through major versions:
- KDE 1 (1998): First stable release
- KDE 2 (2000): DCOP component communication
- KDE 3 (2002): Matured platform
- KDE 4 (2008): Complete rewrite with Plasma
- KDE Plasma 5 (2014): Modern, resource-efficient
Applications
KDE produced major applications:
- Dolphin: File manager
- Konsole: Terminal emulator
- Kate: Text editor
- Kdenlive: Video editor
- Krita: Digital painting
- KMail: Email client
Legacy
KDE proved that open-source projects could create polished, user-friendly software. It made Linux viable for desktop users and influenced graphical interface design across platforms.