libchm

libchm is a free and open-source software library that provides an API for reading and writing CHM (Compiled HTML Help) files. CHM is a proprietary format developed by Microsoft for creating online help files and e-books. The libchm library allows developers to integrate CHM file support into their applications, enabling them to extract content, search within files, and even create new CHM archives.

The library is written in C and has bindings for various programming languages, including Python, Perl, and Ruby, making it accessible to a wide range of developers. It handles the complexities of the CHM format, including decompression, de-encryption, and parsing of the file structure. This means that developers do not need to understand the intricate details of the CHM format to work with it.

libchm is widely used in various cross-platform applications that need to process CHM files, such as documentation viewers and e-book readers. Its ability to operate on different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, makes it a versatile tool for software development. The library's open-source nature ensures that it is freely available for use and modification, contributing to its widespread adoption and ongoing development.