GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is raster-based software. Raster or bitmap is an arrangement of color pixels appear on monitor, paper, or the other media. GIMP runs on desktop GNOME and officially works on Unix operating system for developing Dekstop XII.

GIMP is released with GNU or general public license. Now, the software is developed and distributed free on Linux. Not only for desktop GNOME but also can runs in other operating systems like Mac OS and Windows.

The bitmap processor application program is the most popular one in Linux users. It’s because GIMP provides many plugin to process the picture fast. The result can be saved in format XCF and can be exported to other formats like .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .pdp, .png, .svg, and .tiff.

GIMP was written by Peter Mattis and Spencer Kimball in 1996. The first version is 0.54. Today, GIMP is improved and easier to use. For example, brush size more flexible and completed with more color menu.

   Peter Mattis        Spencer kimball

(Source: Google Image)

There Are Advantages and Disadvantages of GIM

Advantages:

1. It has light application so can be operated on low-spec computer.
2. Can process photo or image easy.
3. Can import / export picture to .svg extension.
4. Can be used to create animation picture.
5. Able to appear picture or image form several file format.
6. Good performance in text layer editing.
7. Supporting many file formats.
8. Free plug-in and can be add another plug-in like Adobe Photoshop.
9. Can change starting appearance.

Disadvantages:

1. Only supported to 8 bits per-channel.
2. Less plug-in provided.
3. Less effect and features.