# Robert Weiner

> American software engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q124752424](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124752424)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-weiner

## Summary
Robert Weiner is an American software engineer and programmer notable for his contributions to the free software community and the GNU Project. He is best known as the developer of the OO-Browser and GNU Hyperbole, tools designed to enhance code navigation and information management within the Emacs text editor environment. Weiner has also held executive roles in the technology sector, serving as both CEO and CTO of BeOpen.com.

## Biography
*   **Nationality:** American
*   **Education:**
    *   Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science from Brown University
    *   Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science and Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
*   **Known for:** Developing GNU Hyperbole and the OO-Browser
*   **Employer(s):**
    *   BeOpen.com (1996–1999); served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer
    *   GNU Project (Member)
*   **Field(s):** Software Engineering, Computer Programming

## Contributions
Robert Weiner has made specific contributions to the field of software development tools, particularly within the GNU Emacs ecosystem. His most recognized technical work is the creation of the **OO-Browser**, an object-oriented code browser specifically designed for Emacs. This tool assists developers in navigating and understanding complex class hierarchies and code structures. Additionally, Weiner developed **GNU Hyperbole**, a hypertext information management system that facilitates the creation and navigation of links within Emacs, enhancing productivity for users of the editor.

Beyond software development, Weiner has held significant leadership positions in the industry. Between 1996 and 1999, he was affiliated with **BeOpen.com**, where he held the dual roles of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Executive Officer. His involvement in the open-source community is further evidenced by his membership in the **GNU Project**, where he maintains an active presence as a developer. He is also known online under the handle `rswgnu`.

## FAQs

### Q: What is Robert Weiner known for in software engineering?
A: Robert Weiner is best known for creating the OO-Browser and GNU Hyperbole. These are software tools used within the Emacs environment to browse object-oriented code and manage hypertext information.

### Q: What is Robert Weiner's educational background?
A: He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Brown University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

### Q: What executive roles has Robert Weiner held?
A: Weiner served as both the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for BeOpen.com from 1996 to 1999.

## Why They Matter
Robert Weiner matters for his enduring impact on developer productivity tools within the Emacs ecosystem. By creating the OO-Browser, he provided a specialized utility for managing object-oriented programming workflows at a time when such integrated tools were vital for complex software engineering. His work on GNU Hyperbole further demonstrated innovation in hypertext handling, allowing users to interconnect data and code dynamically. As a member of the GNU Project and a graduate of MIT and Brown University, his career bridges high-level academic computer science with practical, free software application development. His dual executive role at BeOpen.com also highlights his versatility as both a technical architect and a business leader.

## Notable For
*   **Creator of GNU Hyperbole:** A hypertext information management system for Emacs.
*   **Developer of the OO-Browser:** An object-oriented code browser widely used in Emacs environments.
*   **Academic Pedigree:** Holds advanced degrees in Computer Science from MIT (B.S.) and Brown University (M.S.).
*   **Executive Leadership:** Former CEO and CTO of BeOpen.com.
*   **Free Software Advocacy:** Long-standing member of the GNU Project.

## Body

### Education and Early Career
Robert Weiner pursued a rigorous academic path in computer science. He completed his undergraduate studies at the **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)**, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science in Computer Science from **Brown University**.

### Open Source Contributions
Weiner is a significant contributor to the free software community, specifically as a member of the **GNU Project**. His primary contributions focus on extending the capabilities of **GNU Emacs**.
*   **OO-Browser:** Weiner developed this object-oriented code browser to help programmers navigate class hierarchies directly within Emacs.
*   **GNU Hyperbole:** Listed as his most notable work, this system provides hypertext capabilities for Emacs, allowing for advanced linking and information retrieval.

### Professional Leadership
In the commercial sector, Weiner held high-ranking positions at **BeOpen.com**. He served as the company's **Chief Technology Officer** and **Chief Executive Officer** between **1996 and 1999**.

### Online Presence
Weiner maintains profiles on several developer platforms. His GitHub username is `rswgnu`, and his LinkedIn profile is identified by the ID `rswgnu`. He also maintains a user profile on GNU Savannah (username `rsw`).

## Schema Markup
```json
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  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Robert Weiner",
  "alternateName": "Bob Weiner",
  "jobTitle": "Software Engineer",
  "description": "American software engineer known for creating GNU Hyperbole and the OO-Browser.",
  "nationality": {
    "@type": "Country",
    "name": "United States"
  },
  "alumniOf": [
    {
      "@type": "CollegeOrUniversity",
      "name": "Massachusetts Institute of Technology"
    },
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  "knowsAbout": [
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  "worksFor": {
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  },
  "sameAs": [
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    "https://savannah.gnu.org/users/rsw"
  ]
}

## References

1. LinkedIn profile
2. [Source](https://savannah.gnu.org/users/rsw)
3. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rswgnu)