NSA Releases Internal 1982 Lecture by Computing Pioneer Rear Admiral Grace Hopper

Today, the National Security Agency (NSA) released a copy of an internal lecture delivered by Rear Admiral Grace Hopper from August 19, 1982. Known as one of the most influential figures in the development of early computing technologies, Hopper’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of computer science, particularly in the realm of programming languages. The lecture, which Hopper delivered during her tenure at the NSA, provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and expertise of a woman who played a pivotal role in shaping modern computing. As a pioneering force behind the creation of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages, Hopper’s work laid the foundation for software development practices that are still in use today. Her lecture covers not only technical aspects of computing but also her visionary ideas on the future of technology and its applications in various fields.