# OO-Browser

> object oriented code browser for Emacs

**Wikidata**: [Q124753693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124753693)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oo-browser

## Summary
The OO-Browser is an object-oriented code browser designed for use with the Emacs text editor ecosystem. It is a GNU package created and maintained by American software engineer Robert Weiner. Distributed as free software, it operates on both GNU Emacs and XEmacs platforms under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** Object-oriented code browser, GNU package, free software.
*   **Creator:** Robert Weiner, an American software engineer.
*   **License:** GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
*   **Platforms:** GNU Emacs and XEmacs.
*   **Website:** https://www.gnu.org/software/oo-browser/
*   **Copyright Holder:** Robert Weiner.
*   **Project Hosting:** Listed as a GNU Savannah project and a SourceForge project.
*   **Package History:** Maintained as a Gentoo package (`app-xemacs/oo-browser`) and existed as a Debian source package from December 18, 1999, to January 31, 2009.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the OO-Browser used for?
A: The OO-Browser is a tool used within Emacs environments to browse and navigate object-oriented code. It helps developers study and manage software structure.

### Q: Who created and maintains the OO-Browser?
A: The software was created by Robert Weiner, an American software engineer, who is also listed as the copyright holder and maintainer.

### Q: Under what license is the OO-Browser distributed?
A: It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

## Why It Matters
The OO-Browser plays a specific and significant role within the free software ecosystem by bridging the gap between the extensible, customizable text editing capabilities of Emacs and the structural complexities of object-oriented programming (OOP). As an official GNU package, it represents a canonical tool for developers who rely on the Emacs editing environment for software development.

By providing a dedicated interface for browsing object-oriented classes and structures, it enhances programmer productivity without requiring a switch to a heavy, standalone Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Its classification as "free software" ensures that users retain the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the tool, aligning with the ethical standards of the GNU project. The tool's longevity is evidenced by its presence across multiple package repositories (Debian, Gentoo) and project hosts (GNU Savannah, SourceForge), highlighting its utility to the community over time.

## Notable For
*   **GNU Package Status:** It is an official component of the GNU Project, hosted on GNU Savannah.
*   **Emacs Integration:** Specifically targets both major Emacs forks (GNU Emacs and XEmacs).
*   **Free Software Licensing:** Explicitly licensed under the GPL v2.0 or later, guaranteeing user freedoms.
*   **Enduring Maintenance:** Maintained by its original creator, Robert Weiner, with a copyright status confirming ongoing ownership.

## Body
### Development and Origin
The OO-Browser is a software application developed by Robert Weiner, an American software engineer. Weiner is credited as the creator, copyright holder, and current maintainer of the project. The software is classified as a "code browser" specifically tailored for object-oriented programming environments.

### Technical Platform and Requirements
The browser is designed to function as an add-on package for the Emacs family of text editors. It is compatible with:
*   **GNU Emacs:** The flagship editor of the GNU operating system.
*   **XEmacs:** A fork of Emacs, supported via the `app-xemacs/oo-browser` Gentoo package.

### Licensing and Distribution
The OO-Browser is defined strictly as free software. It is distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later**. This licensing allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software. The software is described in the Free Software Directory under the entry "Oo-browser."

### Package History and Availability
The software has been distributed through various channels throughout its history.
*   **GNU Savannah:** The project maintains an official presence on the GNU Savannah hosting platform (`oo-browser`).
*   **SourceForge:** A project page exists on SourceForge (`oo-browser`).
*   **Debian:** A Debian source package was maintained from **December 18, 1999** until **January 31, 2009**.
*   **Gentoo:** An ebuild exists for XEmacs users (`app-xemacs/oo-browser`).

### Documentation and Resources
Official descriptions and documentation for the OO-Browser can be found at:
*   **Official Website:** `https://www.gnu.org/software/oo-browser/`
*   **Community Wiki:** Described at `https://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/ObjectOrientedBrowser`

## References

1. Free Software Directory
2. [2018](https://directory.fsf.org/wiki?title=Oo-browser&type=revision&diff=74480&oldid=74429)