Grace Hopper

About

Grace Hopper was a pioneering American mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in the development of early computer technology. Born on December 9, 1906, in New York City, she earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale University in 1934. Hopper joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and worked on the Harvard Mark I, one of the first large-scale digital computers. She is best known for inventing the first compiler, which translates human-readable code into machine code, making programming more accessible. Hopper's contributions also include her work on COBOL, a widely used business-oriented programming language. Her compiler, FLOW-MATIC, influenced the development of COBOL. She served in the Navy until her retirement in 1986, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral. Hopper was recognized internationally for her achievements, receiving numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 2016. Her legacy extends beyond her technical contributions, inspiring generations with her dedication to education and innovation.