# Hilaire Fernandes

> French teacher and author of GNU Dr. Geo

**Wikidata**: [Q121086671](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121086671)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hilaire-fernandes

## Summary
Hilaire Fernandes is a French mathematics teacher and programmer best known as the author of GNU Dr. Geo, a free and open-source dynamic geometry software. He is also a free software activist and maintainer of the project since 1997.

## Biography
- Born: 1970
- Nationality: France
- Education:
  - Savoy Mont Blanc University (1990–1991)
  - University of Lille (studied as "Lille 1" in 2010)
- Known for: Developing GNU Dr. Geo, a dynamic geometry software
- Employer(s):
  - CRDP Aquitaine (2001–present)
  - Taipei European School (until 2001)
- Field(s): Mathematics education, free software development

## Contributions
Hilaire Fernandes is the primary developer of GNU Dr. Geo, a dynamic geometry software that allows users to construct geometric figures and manipulate them interactively. The project was initiated in 1997 and has since become a key tool in mathematics education, particularly for teaching geometry concepts through interactive exploration. Fernandes has maintained the software, ensuring its compatibility with modern systems and adding new features over the years. His work aligns with the free software movement, providing an accessible and customizable alternative to proprietary geometry software.

## FAQs
### Q: What is GNU Dr. Geo, and who developed it?
A: GNU Dr. Geo is a free and open-source dynamic geometry software developed by Hilaire Fernandes. It allows users to construct and manipulate geometric figures interactively, making it a valuable tool for mathematics education.

### Q: What is Hilaire Fernandes' educational background?
A: Fernandes studied at Savoy Mont Blanc University (1990–1991) and later at the University of Lille (referred to as "Lille 1" in 2010).

### Q: What organizations has Hilaire Fernandes been affiliated with?
A: He has worked at CRDP Aquitaine since 2001 and previously taught at the Taipei European School until 2001.

### Q: How did Hilaire Fernandes contribute to the free software movement?
A: Fernandes is a free software activist and has been involved with organizations like the GNU Project and Free Software Foundation Europe, contributing to the development of GNU Dr. Geo as part of the free software ecosystem.

### Q: What languages does Hilaire Fernandes speak?
A: He is fluent in French, English, and Spanish.

## Why They Matter
Hilaire Fernandes' work on GNU Dr. Geo has significantly impacted mathematics education by providing a free and customizable alternative to proprietary geometry software. His contributions align with the principles of the free software movement, ensuring that educational tools remain accessible to all. The software's dynamic features allow students to explore geometric concepts interactively, enhancing learning through hands-on experimentation. Fernandes' dedication to maintaining and improving GNU Dr. Geo has made it a staple in educational settings, influencing how geometry is taught and learned.

## Notable For
- Developed GNU Dr. Geo, a widely used dynamic geometry software.
- Maintainer of GNU Dr. Geo since 1997.
- Active in the free software movement, affiliated with the GNU Project and Free Software Foundation Europe.
- Fluent in multiple languages, including French, English, and Spanish.

## Body
### Early Career and Education
Hilaire Fernandes was born in 1970 and holds degrees from Savoy Mont Blanc University (1990–1991) and the University of Lille (studied as "Lille 1" in 2010). His educational background in mathematics laid the foundation for his work in geometry software.

### Development of GNU Dr. Geo
In 1997, Fernandes initiated the development of GNU Dr. Geo, a dynamic geometry software designed to help students understand geometric concepts through interactive exploration. The software allows users to construct geometric figures and manipulate them in real time, making complex ideas more accessible.

### Free Software Activism
Fernandes is an advocate for free software and has been involved with organizations such as the GNU Project and Free Software Foundation Europe. His work on GNU Dr. Geo aligns with the principles of the free software movement, ensuring that educational tools remain open and accessible.

### Professional Affiliations
Fernandes has held teaching positions at the Taipei European School (until 2001) and CRDP Aquitaine (since 2001). His professional experience in education has influenced his approach to developing tools that support learning.

### Language Skills
In addition to French and English, Fernandes is proficient in Spanish, reflecting his multicultural background and commitment to global accessibility in his work.

### Online Presence and Contributions
Fernandes maintains an active online presence through his blog, GNU Dr. Geo, and his accounts on platforms like GNU Savannah and Mastodon. His contributions to the project continue to evolve, ensuring that GNU Dr. Geo remains a relevant and useful tool for mathematics education.

## References

1. IdRef
2. [GNU's Who](https://www.gnu.org/people/people.html#h)
3. [Source](https://savannah.gnu.org/users/hilaire)
4. [Source](https://wiki.april.org/w/Historique2003)