$Header$

What is it ?
------------

unac is a C library that removes accents from characters, regardless
of the character set (ISO-8859-15, ISO-CELTIC, KOI8-RU...)  as long as
iconv(3) is able to convert it into UTF-16 (Unicode).  For instance
the string été will become ete.  It provides a command line interface
(unaccent) that removes accents from an input flow or a string given
in argument. When using the library function or the command, the
charset of the input must be specified. The input is converted to
UTF-16 using iconv(3), accents are removed and the result is converted
back to the original charset. The iconv -l command on GNU/Linux will
show all charset supported.

Where is the documentation ?
----------------------------

The manual page of the unaccent command : man unaccent.
The manual page of the unac library : man unac.

How to install it ?
-------------------

For OS that are not GNU/Linux we recommend to use the iconv library
provided by Bruno Haible <haible@ilog.fr> at
ftp://ftp.gnu.org/pub/gnu/libiconv/libiconv-1.9.1.tar.gz

./configure [--with-iconv=/my/local]

make all

make check

make install

How to link with unac ?
-------------------------

Assuming you've installed unac in the /usr/local directory use something 
similar to the following:

In the sources:
...
#include <unac.h>
...

On the command line:

cc -I/usr/local/include -o prog prog.cc -L/usr/local/lib -lunac 

Where can I download it ?
-------------------------
The main distribution site is http://www.senga.org/unac/.

What is the license ?
---------------------
unac is distributed under the GNU GPL, as found at
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.txt. Unicode data files are under the
following license, which I beleive to be compatible with the GNU GPL:

http://www.unicode.org/Public/4.0-Update/UCD-4.0.0.html#UCD_Terms
UCD Terms of Use

Disclaimer

    The Unicode Character Database is provided as is by Unicode,
Inc. No claims are made as to fitness for any particular purpose. No
warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. The recipient agrees
to determine applicability of information provided. If this file has
been purchased on magnetic or optical media from Unicode, Inc., the
sole remedy for any claim will be exchange of defective media within
90 days of receipt.

    This disclaimer is applicable for all other data files
accompanying the Unicode Character Database, some of which have been
compiled by the Unicode Consortium, and some of which have been
supplied by other sources.

Limitations on Rights to Redistribute This Data

    Recipient is granted the right to make copies in any form for
internal distribution and to freely use the information supplied in
the creation of products supporting the UnicodeTM Standard. The files
in the Unicode Character Database can be redistributed to third
parties or other organizations (whether for profit or not) as long as
this notice and the disclaimer notice are retained. Information can be
extracted from these files and used in documentation or programs, as
long as there is an accompanying notice indicating the source.

    The file Unihan.txt contains older and inconsistent Terms of
Use. That language is overridden by these terms.

Loic Dachary
loic@senga.org
http://www.senga.org/
