Hopper retired from the Naval Reserve in 1966, but her pioneering computer work meant that she was recalled to active duty—at the age of 60—to tackle standardizing communication between different computer languages. Born Grace Brewster Murray in New York City on December 9, 1906, Grace Hopper studied math and physics at Vassar College. 3. Rear Admiral Grace Hopper helped to develop an early computer, invented the compiler making possible higher level computer languages, and helped to define the design of the programming language COBOL.First a member of the WAVES and the US Naval Reserve, Grace Hopper retired from the Navy several times before returning and gaining the rank of Rear Admiral. Died At Age: 85. At the age of seven, she dismantled her alarm clock to figure out how it worked, but was unable to reassemble it. Ship Safe Port. High-level computer programming languages are closer to _____ languages. She was also a United States Navy rear admiral, helped develop COBOL -- one of the first high-level programming languages -- and invented the first compiler, a program that translates programming code to machine language. A trailblazer of computer programming, she assisted in defining the design of COBOL. She was educated at two private schools which were solely for girls, namely Graham school and … 3. Grace Murray Hopper taught mathematics at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, from 1931 to…, American mathematician Grace Murray Hopper worked for the U.S. Navy as one of the first computer programmers, and American biologist Rachel Carson worked for the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries (from 1940 the U.S. She was one of the most incisive strategic futurists in the world of computing in the middle of 20th century. She earned a master’s degree (1930) and a Ph.D. (1934) in mathematics from Yale. Consider the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, later known as the Harvard Mark 1. READ MORE. Grace HOPPER 20th century. By the time her mother figured out what she had been up to, the young Grace Hopper had gone through seven clocks in the house. Universal Automatic Computer. In 1957 her division developed Flow-Matic, the first English-language data-processing compiler, which had many features that inspired the development of COBOL. Grace Hopper joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and was assigned to program the Mark I computer. People born on December 9 fall under the Zodiac sign of Sagittarius, the Archer. Grace Hopper (Grace Hopper), nee – Grace Brewster Murray – 9.12.1906 – 1.01.1992 – American female computer scie Grace Murray Hopper was an American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. When she retired in 1986, at age 79, she was a rear admiral as well as the oldest serving officer in the service. Grace Hopper, in full Grace Murray Hopper, née Grace Brewster Murray, (born December 9, 1906, New York, New York, U.S.—died January 1, 1992, Arlington, Virginia), American mathematician and rear admiral in the U.S. Navy who was a pioneer in developing computer technology, helping to devise UNIVAC I, the first commercial electronic computer, and naval applications for COBOL (common-business-oriented language). It reached a great level of adoption … Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Grace Murray Hopper speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Grace M. Hopper Navy Regional Data Automation Center, San Diego, California, 1985. ', Actor Humphrey Bogart became a legend for his roles in 1940s-era films like 'Casablanca,' 'The Maltese Falcon' and 'To Have and Have Not.'. "Hopper, Grace Murray." Grace Murray Hopper (December 9 1906 – January 1 1992) was an American computer scientist and United States Navy officer. In 2016, Hopper was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. 2. Hopper was the first to devise the theory of machine-independent programming languages, and the FLOW-MATIC programming language she created using this theory was later extended to create COBOL, an early high-l… compiler. … She was at Harvard when a moth was found to have shorted out the Mark II, and is sometimes given credit for the invention of the term "computer bug"—though she didn't actually author the term, she did help popularize it. Grace Hopper is a New Yorker. She also received the nickname "Grandma COBOL". Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (born as Grace Brewster Murray in New York, on December 9th, 1906) was a Ph.D. in mathematics, who devoted almost her entire life to computers and programming. Subscribers support the publication of this magazine. UNIVAC I. Grace hopper extra Grace Hopper, also known as Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, was born on December 9, 1906 in New York city and she was the eldest of three children. Fields: Computing. The Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy is an immersive software engineering course for women+. Grace Hopper helped develop _____ - a programming language still in use today. Grace Hopper is best known as a Computer Scientist. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was a computer pioneer and naval officer. Grace Hopper. Hopper graduated from Vassar College in 1928 and Yale University in 1934 with a Ph.D degree in mathematics. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Born in New York City, 1906, she was the oldest of three children. She received a master’s degree (1930) and a Ph.D. (1934) in mathematics from Yale. Read this short Grace Hopper biography. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper (née Murray December 9, 1906 – January 1, 1992) was an American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. Grace Hopper was an illustrious American Naval officer and computer scientist. Fish and Wildlife Service) as an aquatic biologist. She became a lieutenant and was assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance’s Computation Project at Harvard University (1944), where she worked on Mark I, the first large-scale automatic calculator and a precursor of electronic computers. At the age of 79, she was the oldest officer on active U.S. naval duty when she retired again in 1986. Here is a look at Hopper’s life and legacy. She continued to serve in the Navy Reserve. She was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, which was finished in 1944. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Grace-Hopper, Lemelson-MIT - Biography of Grace Murray Hopper, Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society - Ouija Board, National Women's Hall of Fame - Biography of Grace Hopper, MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive - Biography of Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Grace Murray Hopper, Grace Hopper - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Grace Hopper - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), National Medal of Technology and Innovation (1991). Grace Hopper was a famous American computer scientist, who was born on December 9, 1906. Hopper also helped popularised the term "de-bugging" that we still use on computers programmes today, after a moth was removed from inside her machine. Grace Hopper, in full Grace Murray Hopper, née Grace Brewster Murray, (born December 9, 1906, New York, New York, U.S.—died January 1, 1992, Arlington, Virginia), American mathematician and rear admiral in the U.S. Navy who was a pioneer in developing computer technology, helping to devise UNIVAC I, the first commercial electronic computer, and naval applications for COBOL (co mmon- b … After graduating from Vassar in 1928, she proceeded to Yale University, where she received a master's degree in mathematics in 1930. Both Grace's parents believed that she and her sister should have an education of the same quality as her brother. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Her early career was spent teaching mathematics at Vassar … Common Business-Oriented Language. Grace Hopper was born Grace Brewster Murray, the oldest of three children. By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. We succeed when you do. Grace Hopper's compiler: Computing's hidden hero. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. This compiler was a precursor for the Common Business Oriented Language, or COBOL, a widely adapted language that would be used around the world. She was born on image caption Grace Hopper was posthumously granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 But what Grace called a "compiler" did involve a trade-off. She was a multi-talented woman who always cared for her country. The Grace Hooper cable, which will link the US with the UK and Spain was named after pioneering computer scientist Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, who was known for developing an early compiler that was important in the development of COBOL. Grace Hopper Celebration India! Computer programmer Grace Hopper helped develop a compiler that was a precursor to the widely used COBOL language and became a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Computers host websites composed of HTML and send text messages as simple as...LOL. Learn more! Hopper's request to transfer to the regular Navy at the end of the war was declined due to her age (38). Corrections? Hack into this quiz and let some technology tally your score and reveal the contents to you. She was promoted to commodore in 1983, and that rank was incorporated into that of rear admiral in 1985. Common Business-Oriented Language. Grace Murray Hopper working on the Bureau of Ordnance Computation Project at Harvard University, 1946. Hopper’s accomplishments, work ethic, and philosophy led her to be known as “Amazing Grace.” United States naval officer and mathematician. She was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1991—becoming the first female individual recipient of the honor. An example of a low-level computer programming language is _____ code. human. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Naval Reserve in December 1943 (she opted for the Navy, as it had been her grandfather's branch of service). At a celebration held in Boston on the USS Constitution to celebrate her final retirement, Hopper was … Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. COBOL stands for. Grace Hopper. She received a master’s degree (1930) and a Ph.D. (1934) in mathematics from Yale. Her childhood and early years contributed to her brilliant career but also showed how she was a typical kid in many ways. She obtained a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Mathematics, double majoring in physics as an undergraduate at Vassar College. Grace Hopper remains one of the most admirable computer scientists to this date. In 1949 Hopper joined the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corp., where she designed one of the first compilers, which translated a programmer’s instructions into computer codes, and coined the word compiler. Nancy Grace is known for being the outspoken host of the TV show, 'Nancy Grace,' which aired from 2005-2016. She taught mathematics at Vassar before joining the Naval Reserve in 1943. 10 Shares LinkedIn Facebook Pinterest Twitter Email Buffer Flipboard More Grace Hopper was a mathematician and computer programming pioneer who excelled in male dominated fields. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper (née Murray December 9, 1906 – January 1, 1992) was an American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. Born On: December 9, 1906. Her father, Walter Murray, was an insurance broker while her mother, Mary Van Horne, had a love of mathematics which she passed on to her daughter. Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. It is the world's largest gathering of women in computing. She continued to work in computing after the war, leading the team that created the first computer language compiler, which led to the popular COBOL language. Hopper, who became an associate professor at Vassar, continued to teach until World War II compelled her to join the U.S. He is widely known for 'Roots' and 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X. February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 2021 Virtual Celebration! Grace Hopper was one of the pioneers in the early days of electronic computers. — Grace Hopper. Hopper was elected a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (1962) and was named the first computer science Man of the Year by the Data Processing Management Association (1969). Starting in 1931, Hopper began teaching at Vassar while also continuing to study at Yale, where she earned a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1934—becoming one of the first few women to earn such a degree. Grace Hopper: “Mom computer” and Rear Admiral US Navy. She wrote programs that made computers accessible to all and developed the COBOL computer language. She wrote the first computer manual, A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (1946), which described how to operate Mark I and was the first extensive treatment of how to program a computer. She was laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery. Grace Under Pressure. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) was named for her. She was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, which was finished in 1944. Grace Hopper, who rose through Navy ranks to become a rear admiral at age eighty-two, is best known for her contribution to the design and development of the COBOL programming language for business applications. Grace Murray Hopper Park, located on South Joyce Street in Virginia, is a small memorial park in front of her former home. A park in Arlington, Virginia is named in her honor. “Humans are allergic to change. Hopper was born in New York, USA. She was well known for her lively and irreverent speaking style, as well as a rich treasury of early war stories. Additionally, on her birthday in 2013, Hopper was remembered with a "Google Doodle.". One of the first female programmers, Grace Hopper also worked as a mathematician and had an unusual career, especially for women in the 1900s. Grace Hopper loved mathematics. Throughout much of her later career, Grace Hopper was much in demand as a speaker at various computer-related events. She lived a long life and died serving the country. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Grace Hopper was a computer scientist who is best known for helping to create the first all-electronic digital computer, called UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). Grace Hopper loved mathematics. Learn more at womenshistory.org. Registration Closes on February 12! After a moth infiltrated the circuits of Mark I, she coined the term bug to refer to unexplained computer failures. Grace was known for her many sayings and habits‚Äîthe clock onher desk ran counter-clockwise, she coined various phrases about asking forpermission later, etc. The first commercial computer (available to buy) made in the US was the. Born in New York City, 1906, she was the oldest of three children. Grace Hopper. Forgiveness Ask Permission. Lesson Plan In 1997, the guided missile destroyer, USS Hopper, was commissioned by the Navy in San Francisco. 33 Top Quotes By Grace Hopper For Those Who Aspire To Build A Better Mousetrap . After graduating from Vassar College (B.A., 1928), Hopper attended Yale University (M.A., 1930; Ph.D., 1934). She wrote the song "White Rabbit" and sang the popular tune "Somebody to Love.". As a person born on this date, Grace Hopper is listed in our database as the 31st most popular celebrity for the day (December 9) and the 12th most popular for the year (1906). Then, determined to make programming accessible to more people, she replaced mathematical symbols in programming with everyday English words. In 1952, her team created the first compiler for computer languages (a compiler renders worded instructions into code that can be read by computers). She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style. Articles published before January 1, 2019 are open and available to everyone. In 1959, Grace Hopper and a group of colleagues started to push for a common language for business applications. When she was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1991, she said “If you ask me what accomplishment I’m most proud of, the answer would be all the young people I’ve trained over the years; that’s more important than writing the first compiler.”. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. A _____ translates human language code into machine language. We do not rely on advertising. She worked on computers in the Navy for 43 years. It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Grace Hopper: The First Woman to Program the First Computer in the United States. Grace Murray Hooper was an American computer scientist, who was also responsible for developing the first compiler for computer programming language. While she was working on a Mark II Computer at a US Navy research lab in Dahlgren, Virginia in 1947, her associates discovered a moth stuck in a relay and thereby impeding operation, whereupon she remarked that they … They love to say, 'We've always done it this way.' https://www.biography.com/scientist/grace-hopper. COBOL stands for. In addition to her programming accomplishments, Hopper's legacy includes encouraging young people to learn how to program. machine. She was commissioned as a lieutenant in June 1944. Eldest among her siblings, Grace was a curious child and went to Hartridge School in New Jersey for preparatory education. As a research fellow at Harvard, she worked with the Mark II and Mark III computers. UNIVAC stands for. Updates? Grace Hopper is best known as a Computer Scientist. Grace Hopper. How to solve: What is Grace Hopper famous for? Grace Hopper was already a well-known pioneer for computing by the time she attended the first Data Systems Languages (CODASYL) conference, a consortium that aimed to guide the development of a standard programming language that could be across multiple computers, in 1959. Born Grace Brewster Murray in 1906, she was from a prosperous … By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. Inventor Grace Murray Hopper was a curious child. Grace Murray Hopper was one of the first computer programmers to work on the Harvard Mark I.