1906-1992

American Mathematician and Computer Programmer

Grace Hopper developed COBOL, a computer programming language, in the 1950s and her related innovations, such as compilers used for business processes, provided a foundation for more sophisticated computing systems. A computer software pioneer, Hopper encouraged her colleagues to enhance technology for data processing. She set precedents in technological professions that were considered almost exclusively male at the time, enabling other women to gain access to computing careers. Hopper's achievements helped make the production of commercial computers possible.

Born on December 9, 1906, in New York City, Hopper was encouraged by her parents, Walter Fletcher and Mary Campbell (Van Horne) Murray, to pursue her academic ambitions, especially in mathematics. Hopper resisted being restrained by conventional gender roles. Curious about how mechanical devices worked, she explored her home to investigate small machines such as clocks. Attending private girls' schools in New...