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GNU is a free software project launched by Richard Stallman in 1983 to create a complete, Unix-like operating system. Its name is a recursive acronym for "GNU's Not Unix," emphasizing its technical compatibility with Unix but its freedom from proprietary code. GNU provides many of the essential tools and components for an operating system, such as the GCC compiler and core utilities, and is famously paired with the Linux kernel to form the GNU/Linux operating system.

Key aspects of GNU

Unix-like and free: GNU was designed to be functionally similar to Unix but was built entirely from free software, ensuring users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and redistribute it.

Core components: The project provides the userland, which includes many of the programs needed for a functional operating system, such as the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), the GNU Debugger (GDB), and various core utilities that provide essential commands and functions.

GNU/Linux: While the GNU project has its own kernel called the Hurd, it is most commonly used with the Linux kernel. This combination is what most people refer to as "Linux," but the GNU Project emphasizes that it is the GNU userland and the Linux kernel working together.

Free Software Foundation (FSF) and GNU General Public License (GPL): The project is the foundation for the FSF and its GNU General Public License (GPL), which was created to protect the four essential freedoms of software users: the freedom to run, study, share, and modify software.