Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper was an American computer scientist and Navy admiral. She was born in New York City in 1906. She was a pioneer in computer programming. She helped create the first compiler, which translates human language into computer code.

Early Life

Hopper was curious as a child and once took apart seven alarm clocks to see how they worked. She studied math and physics at Yale University. She joined the Navy during World War II and was assigned to work on the Mark I computer.

Grace Hopper in her Navy uniform, a true computer pioneer.
Grace Hopper in her Navy uniform, a true computer pioneer. (James S. Davis / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Hopper helped program the Mark I, one of the first computers. She invented the first compiler, which made it easier to write computer programs. She helped develop COBOL, one of the first programming languages. She served in the Navy until age 79, retiring as a rear admiral.

Fun Facts

  • Hopper is credited with popularizing the term 'bug' for a computer error after finding an actual moth in a computer.
  • She was nicknamed Amazing Grace.
  • She retired from the Navy at age 79, making her the oldest serving officer at the time.

Did You Know?

Hopper believed computers should be easy for everyone to use. She said the most dangerous phrase in the language is 'We've always done it this way.' She encouraged people to try new things and not be afraid of change.