@c -*-texinfo-*-
@chapter README

@ifset TEXT-ONLY
@include version.texi
@end ifset

GNUstep is a free, object-oriented development environment, consisting
of libraries which implement the basic functionality of most common
applications, as well as various tools to support the developement and
execution of applications. 

The GNUstep core libraries are a set of general-purpose Objective-C
libraries based on the OpenStep standard developed by NeXT (now Apple)
Inc. The libraries consist of everything from foundation classes, such
as dictionaries and arrays, to GUI interface classes such as windows,
sliders, buttons, etc.

Here is some introductory info to get you started:

@section Initial reading

The file @file{INSTALL} gives instructions for installing the package.
The @file{GNUstep-HOWTO} in the make directory gives a more thourough
treatment of GNUstep installation, and is probably the prefered document
to read, particularly for first-time users. 

Read the  @file{GNUstep-HOWTO} for how GNUstep works on specific machines.


The GNUstep web site at @url{http://www.gnustep.org} also contains good
documentation.

For documentation on individual libraries, look in the documentation
section/directory for that library.

The GNUstep libraries are covered under the GNU Lesser Public License.
This means you can use these libraries in any program (even non-free
programs). If you distribute the libraries along with your program, 
you must make the improvements you have made
to the libraries freely available. You should read the COPYING.LIB file
for more information.

GNUstep tools, test programs, and other files are covered under the
GNU Public License. This means if you make changes to these programs,
you cannot charge a fee, other than distribution fees, for others to
use the program. You should read the COPYING file for more information.

@section How can you help?

@itemize @bullet
@item
Check the task list at the GNUstep web site, or subscribe to
the GNUstep newslists for information.
If you can volunteer for any of the projects, or if you have any useful
comments send email!  @email{discuss-gnustep@@gnu.org}

@item
Give us feedback!  Tell us what you like; tell us what you think
could be better.  Send bug reports to @email{bug-gnustep@@gnu.org}.
@end itemize

@noindent
GNUstep maintainers@*
@email{gnustep-maintainers@@gnu.org}
