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Enlightenment Foundation Libraries

Free#37 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

Enlightenment Foundation Libraries: A broad C library collection for native Linux, embedded and Tizen applications. Ranked #37 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks by our editors (5.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for C developers building Linux or embedded interfaces.

5.6/10Editor score

Visit EFL

Enlightenment Foundation Libraries5.6 Visit EFL

At a glance

Editor score
5.6 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
C developers building Linux or embedded interfaces
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
None
Native API access
Yes
Facts checked
28 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Combines scene-graph rendering, widgets and application event handling
- Includes networking, IPC, media and data-handling libraries
- Supports Linux, BSD, Windows, macOS, Tizen and embedded devices
Where it doesn't
- Its primary language is C, so other-language users rely on bindings
- Documentation describes a transition between legacy and unified APIs
- Its community and documentation support may not suit teams needing dedicated support

Our verdict on Enlightenment Foundation Libraries

Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL) is a layered collection of open-source C libraries for building graphical and system applications. It is aimed at developers working on native desktop, embedded and mobile software, especially C developers building Linux or embedded interfaces. The libraries can be used independently or as the foundation for Enlightenment and native Tizen applications. C# documentation is available, with bindings also available for C++, Python and Lua.

EFL covers more than interface drawing: its components include software and OpenGL scene-graph rendering, widgets, event loops, timers, callbacks, networking and HTTP helpers. Libraries also handle inter-process communication and D-Bus integration, audio and video, file handling, serialization and data structures. This breadth can suit applications that need UI and system services within one C-oriented framework. Native access is supported, and the listed targets span Linux, BSD, Windows, macOS, Tizen and embedded devices. The product is also described as high in code sharing, though that does not make it a universal cross-platform toolkit; the verified emphasis is on Linux, embedded and related targets.

EFL is source-based open-source software rather than a commercial subscription, and published releases are source releases. Its documentation describes an ongoing transition between legacy and unified APIs, so teams evaluating it should account for that API evolution when choosing components. Support channels are community and documentation. EFL is a fit for developers comfortable with C who want a broad, layered toolkit and native platform access; teams seeking a narrowly focused UI library, a commercial support path, or a framework centered on a different platform emphasis may prefer an alternative.

Enlightenment Foundation Libraries pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on enlightenment.org

Enlightenment Foundation Libraries fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	None
Target platforms	Linux, BSD, Windows, macOS, Tizen and embedded devices
App types	Native desktop, embedded and mobile applications
Languages	C; bindings for C++, Python, Lua and C#
Native API access	Yes
Shared code model	High
IDE support	Enlightenment IDE (EDI), Visual Studio for C# projects
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Linux, Windows, macOS
Support	Community, Docs · 24/7
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	enlightenment.org
Facts checked	28 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Enlightenment Foundation Libraries

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Last updated 9 Oct 2026 · How we research and update