Richard Stallman
Free software movement activist and programmer.
Richard Stallman is a computer programmer and activist who launched the GNU Project and founded the Free Software Foundation. He developed the GNU C Compiler and GNU Emacs, and authored the GNU General Public License, pioneering the concept of copyleft.
- field
- Computer programming, activism
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Launching the GNU Project, founding the Free Software Foundation, developing GNU
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Richard Matthew Stallman
- Birth Date
- 1953-03-16
- Birth Place
- New York City, New York, U.S.
- Other Names
- rms (RMS)
- Education
- Harvard University
- Occupation
- Activist · programmer
- Known For
- Free software movement · GNU · GNU Emacs · GNU Compiler Collection · GNU General Public License · copyleft · Free Software Foundation
- Awards
- MacArthur Fellowship · ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award · EFF Pioneer Award · ACM Software System Award · Internet Hall of Fame
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
He later wrote a text editor in APL and a preprocessor for PL/I.
Reader's Guide
He pioneered the concept of copyleft, using copyright law to preserve users' rights to use, modify, and distribute software. His advocacy against proprietary software, software patents, digital rights management, and restrictive licensing has shaped debates on software freedom. His work has influenced the development of open-source and free software ecosystems, though his uncompromising stance has also drawn criticism.
Did You Know?
- Richard Stallman launched the GNU Project and founded the Free Software Foundation.
- He developed the GNU C Compiler and GNU Emacs.
- He authored the GNU General Public License.
- He pioneered the concept of copyleft.
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