the_author_meta()

Function: Outputs the field from the user’s DB object. Defaults to current post’s author.

Source: wp-includes/author-template.php:195

the_author_{$field}

Filter Hook: The value of the requested user metadata.

Source: wp-includes/author-template.php:208

Function: Retrieve either author’s link or author’s name.

Source: wp-includes/author-template.php:222