# Raymond Chen

> Microsoft developer

**Wikidata**: [Q2283006](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2283006)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Chen_(Microsoft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raymond-chen

## Summary
Raymond Chen is a computer scientist, software engineer, and programmer recognized as an influential developer at Microsoft. He is best known for his long-running official blog, *The Old New Thing*, where he provides insights into software development and the history of Windows. His work focuses on the practical application of computer science within the industrial sector.

## Biography
*   **Known for:** Being an influential Microsoft developer and author of *The Old New Thing* blog.
*   **Employer(s):** Microsoft.
*   **Field(s):** Computer Science, Software Engineering.
*   **Gender:** Male.

## Contributions
Raymond Chen has contributed significantly to the software engineering community through his role at Microsoft and his extensive public writing. As a practitioner of software engineering, he operates at the intersection of the industrial and service sectors. His primary public contribution is his official blog, *The Old New Thing*, hosted on the Microsoft Developer Blogs platform. This blog serves as a technical resource for programmers, offering detailed explanations and historical context regarding software development practices at Microsoft.

In addition to his writing, Chen is an active participant in the developer community. He maintains a GitHub presence under the username "oldnewthing," where he shares code and engages with open-source practices. He is also a user on Stack Exchange (User ID: 485903), contributing to technical Q&A. His expertise is cited in major industry publications; for instance, a 2019 Forbes article referenced his explanations regarding Windows 10 password and encryption security defaults, highlighting his authority on the subject. Through these channels, Chen translates complex computer science concepts into accessible knowledge for other programmers.

## FAQs

### Q: What is Raymond Chen's role at Microsoft?
A: Raymond Chen is a software engineer and computer scientist at Microsoft. He is widely described as an influential developer within the company, particularly regarding Windows development and security.

### Q: What is *The Old New Thing*?
A: *The Old New Thing* is the official blog authored by Raymond Chen. Hosted at devblogs.microsoft.com, it serves as a platform for him to discuss software engineering, Windows history, and programming practices.

### Q: Where can Raymond Chen be found online?
A: Raymond Chen can be found on Twitter (@ChenCravat), GitHub (username: oldnewthing), and Stack Exchange (User ID: 485903). He also has a Wikipedia entry titled "Raymond Chen (Microsoft)."

## Why They Matter
Raymond Chen matters to the field of software engineering because he acts as a primary conduit of institutional knowledge regarding Microsoft Windows development. By maintaining *The Old New Thing*, he provides a rare look into the decision-making processes, technical constraints, and historical evolution of one of the world's most widely used operating systems. His influence extends beyond code; through his blog and participation on platforms like Stack Exchange, he educates and mentors a global community of programmers. When industry analysts, such as those at Forbes, require insight into Windows security features, Chen serves as a definitive source. His work ensures that the "why" behind complex software behaviors is documented and accessible, preserving technical history that might otherwise be lost.

## Notable For
*   **Influential Microsoft Developer:** Recognized by external sources like Forbes for his impact on Windows development.
*   **The Old New Thing:** Authoring the eponymous blog that details Windows history and software engineering.
*   **Community Engagement:** Active presence on GitHub (oldnewthing) and Stack Exchange.
*   **Technical Authority:** Frequently cited regarding Windows 10 security and development standards.

## Body

### Professional Background
Raymond Chen is a human, male, computer scientist and programmer. He is currently employed as a software engineer at Microsoft. His work is situated within the industrial and service sectors of the technology industry.

### The Old New Thing
Chen manages the official blog titled *The Old New Thing*.
*   **URL:** https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/
*   **Language:** English
*   **Focus:** The blog provides analysis and commentary on software development, often focusing on the history and internal logic of Microsoft products.

### Industry Recognition
Chen's status as an "influential Microsoft developer" was explicitly noted in a Forbes article published in May 2019. The article referenced his commentary on Windows 10 security defaults, specifically concerning passwords and encryption, dating back to June 2017.

### Digital Footprint
*   **Social Media:** Twitter handle @ChenCravat.
*   **Coding:** GitHub username "oldnewthing".
*   **Knowledge Sharing:** Stack Exchange User ID 485903.
*   **Encyclopedic Entries:** He is the subject of Wikipedia articles in English, Dutch (nl), and Pampanga (pam), with a Google Knowledge Graph ID of /g/11bc689r79.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/05/24/microsoft-announces-new-windows-10-password-and-encryption-security-defaults/)