# Patrick Volkerding

> American software engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q44808](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44808)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Volkerding)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patrick-volkerding

## Summary
Patrick Volkerding is an American software engineer and computer scientist best known as the creator and lead developer of Slackware, one of the oldest and most influential Linux distributions. Born in 1966, he has played a pivotal role in the open-source software movement since the early 1990s.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 20, 1966, in Virginia, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Minnesota State University Moorhead
- **Known for**: Creating and maintaining the Slackware Linux distribution
- **Employer(s)**: Not specified in source material
- **Field(s)**: Software engineering, computer science

## Contributions
Patrick Volkerding is the founder and lead developer of **Slackware**, a Linux distribution first released on **July 16, 1993**. Slackware is one of the earliest surviving Linux distributions and remains one of the most stable and Unix-like systems available. Volkerding's work has been foundational in the open-source community, providing a minimalist, text-based approach to Linux that emphasizes simplicity and user control. His contributions have influenced countless other distributions and developers. In 2014, he received the **O'Reilly Open Source Award** in recognition of his impact on the open-source ecosystem.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Patrick Volkerding best known for?
A: Patrick Volkerding is best known as the creator and lead developer of **Slackware**, one of the oldest and most influential Linux distributions, first released in 1993.

### Q: When was Slackware first released?
A: Slackware was first released on **July 16, 1993**.

### Q: Has Patrick Volkerding received any awards?
A: Yes, he received the **O'Reilly Open Source Award** in **2014** for his contributions to open-source software.

### Q: Where did Patrick Volkerding study?
A: He attended **Minnesota State University Moorhead**.

### Q: What is Patrick Volkerding's nationality?
A: He is an **American** software engineer.

## Why They Matter
Patrick Volkerding's creation of Slackware in 1993 was a landmark moment in the history of open-source software. As one of the earliest Linux distributions, Slackware provided a stable, Unix-like operating system that prioritized simplicity and user control. Its influence extends beyond its user base, shaping the development of other Linux distributions and contributing to the broader adoption of open-source software. Volkerding's commitment to maintaining Slackware for over three decades has made him a respected figure in the tech community, and his work has helped democratize access to powerful computing tools.

## Notable For
- Creator and lead developer of **Slackware Linux** (1993–present)
- Recipient of the **O'Reilly Open Source Award (2014)**
- One of the longest-serving maintainers of a major Linux distribution
- Influential figure in the open-source software movement

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on **October 20, 1966**, in **Virginia, USA**
- Attended **Minnesota State University Moorhead**

### Career and Contributions
- **Slackware Linux**:
  - First released on **July 16, 1993**
  - One of the oldest actively maintained Linux distributions
  - Known for its stability, simplicity, and Unix-like design
- **Awards and Recognition**:
  - **O'Reilly Open Source Award (2014)** for contributions to open-source software

### Influence and Legacy
- Slackware has influenced numerous other Linux distributions and open-source projects.
- Volkerding's work has been instrumental in the growth of the Linux ecosystem.
- His approach to software development emphasizes user control and minimalism.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Patrick Volkerding",
  "jobTitle": "Software Engineer",
  "nationality": {
    "@type": "Country",
    "name": "United States"
  },
  "birthDate": "1966-10-20",
  "birthPlace": "Virginia, United States",
  "alumniOf": [
    {
      "@type": "EducationalOrganization",
      "name": "Minnesota State University Moorhead"
    }
  ],
  "knowsAbout": [
    "Software Engineering",
    "Computer Science",
    "Linux"
  ],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97033143",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Volkerding"
  ],
  "description": "American software engineer and creator of the Slackware Linux distribution."
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ithistory.org/honor-roll/mr-patrick-volkerding)
2. datos.bne.es
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File