Ada Lovelace was the only child of Lord Byron. She was the first computer programmer, having written a set of instructions for performing calculations on Babbage's Analytical Engine.
On this day, March 24, 2010, we celebrate Ada's accomplishments by honoring the contributions of women in computing. The woman that I wish to honor this year is Grace Hopper. Her amazing career includes a Ph.D. in Math from Yale, a stint in the Navy, and finally work at Harvard and Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation where she wrote the first compiler in 1952.
Each year, the Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology honors Ms. Hopper through the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing.
It's fascinating to know that the first program and the first compiler were both created by women. Quiz your programmer friends the next time you see them, and find out how many people are aware of these awesome facts!
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