GNU Ghostscript

GNU Ghostscript, a leading Development Tools software, particularly shines in the 'IDE' subcategory. The latest version, 7.06, remains a staple for developers needing reliable PostScript and PDF interpreter capabilities. With GNU Ghostscript, users gain access to a powerful set of C procedures known as the Ghostscript library, which brilliantly implements the graphics capabilities mirrored in the PostScript language. Furthermore, its wide variety of output drivers ensures extensive compatibility with numerous file formats and printers.

Available to download for free, this invaluable tool was originally written by Peter Deutsch and is now maintained by a team of dedicated GNU programmers. Key contributors like Raph Levien have continued to enhance and maintain the software, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the development community.

Users can run GNU Ghostscript on a plethora of operating systems, including Windows XP/XP Professional, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11. This cross-platform support ensures that virtually any development environment can benefit from its robust features. The program's files, gswin32.exe, and rundll32.exe, are well-structured for smooth execution and performance.

The legacy of GNU Ghostscript spans from its humble beginnings in version 1.0 through to the comprehensive toolset provided in the other versions up to 7.0. Each version has built upon the previous ones, adding new features and improving stability.

Pros:

• Extensive PostScript and PDF interpreting capabilities
• A broad selection of output drivers
• Consistent updates and strong maintenance by dedicated developers
• Compatibility across a wide range of Windows operating systems

Cons:

• May have a steeper learning curve for beginners
• Some might find the user interface dated compared to modern IDEs

GNU Ghostscript remains an indispensable tool for developers due to its versatility, consistent enhancements, and strong community support.

It is not possible to confirm if there is a free download for this software available on the developer's website. We recommend checking the downloaded files with any free antivirus.

You may want to check out more software, such as GNU FreeDink, GPL Ghostscript or GNU Tools for ARM Embedded Processors, which might be related to GNU Ghostscript.