A pioneering computer scientist who developed the first high-level programming language, COBOL, revolutionizing business computing. This innovator's work enabled efficient data processing and paved the way for modern software development.
Referred to as "Amazing Grace" by her peers, Rear Admiral Dr. Grace Hopper is best known for being a trailblazing computer scientist, mathematician, and United States Navy officer who pioneered the development of machine-independent programming languages. She is credited with creating the first compiler, which enabled computers to understand English-like languages, and her work laid the foundation for the development of COBOL, a high-level programming language still in use today.
Hopper's path to computing was not a traditional one. Born in 1906, she earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale University in 1934 and later became a professor of mathematics at Vassar College. However, it wasn't until she joined the Navy Reserves during World War II that she began her computing career.
In 1944, Hopper joined the Harvard Mark I team, led by Howard H. Aiken, where she wrote the first computer manual, A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in computer science.
Hopper's most significant contribution to the field of computer science was her work on machine-independent programming languages. She believed that programming should be simplified using English-based languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
In the 1950s, Hopper developed the FLOW-MATIC programming language, which was designed to use English-like syntax. Her compiler, originally called a "compiler," converted English terms into machine code understood by computers. This innovation paved the way for the creation of COBOL, a high-level programming language that is still widely used today.
Hopper's life was marked by several personal milestones and key life events that shaped her career. She was a strong advocate for women in technology and encouraged them to pursue careers in the field.
In 1971, Hopper retired from the Navy, but she continued to work as a senior consultant for Digital Equipment Corporation. She remained active in the computing community until her death in 1992.
Grace Hopper's legacy extends far beyond her technical contributions to the field of computer science. She inspired generations of women to pursue careers in technology and was a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.
In recognition of her achievements, the U.S. Navy christened the USS Hopper, a guided-missile destroyer, in her honor in 1997. Hopper's story serves as a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and dedication, and continues to inspire people around the world.
As Hopper once said, "The most important thing I've accomplished, other than building the compiler, is training young people. They come to me, you know, and say, 'Do you think we can do this?' I say, 'Try it.'" Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of computer scientists, programmers, and innovators.
Born in 1903
Pioneering mathematician and physicist who developed the concept of the modern computer architecture and made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and game theory. His work laid the foundation for modern computing and artificial intelligence.
Born in 1906
A groundbreaking logician and philosopher who shook the foundations of mathematics with his incompleteness theorems, proving that no formal system can be both complete and consistent.
Born in 1912
Pioneering mathematician and computer scientist who cracked the German Enigma code during WWII and laid the foundations for modern computer science and artificial intelligence.
Born in 1924
One of the first computer programmers, she contributed to the development of the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, and helped pave the way for modern computing.
Born in 1922
Pioneering programmer who worked on the development of the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, and was one of the first programmers to work on the machine.
