Installing Windows might take 5,000 years without the compiler, a remarkable innovation which made modern computing possible. Tim Harford tells a compelling story which has at its heart a pioneering woman called Grace Hopper who – along the way – single-handedly invented the idea of open source software too.
The compiler evolved into COBOL – one of the first computer languages – and led to the distinction between hardware and software.
Producer: Ben Crighton
Editors: Richard Knight and Richard Vadon
(Image: Grace M. Hopper, Credit: Bettman/Getty Images)
view more
More Episodes
Introducing 13 Minutes to the Moon Season 2
2020-03-09
2020-03-09
Gutenberg press
2020-03-02
2020-03-02
Slot machines
2020-02-24
2020-02-24
Chess algorithms
2020-02-17
2020-02-17
Auctions
2020-02-10
2020-02-10
Dams
2020-02-03
2020-02-03
Tulips
2020-01-27
2020-01-27
Sanitary towel
2020-01-20
2020-01-20
Wardian case
2020-01-13
2020-01-13
Fast food franchise
2020-01-06
2020-01-06
CCTV
2019-12-30
2019-12-30
Retirement
2019-12-23
2019-12-23
Santa
2019-12-16
2019-12-16
Sewing machine
2019-12-09
2019-12-09
Hollerith punch card
2019-12-02
2019-12-02
Stock option
2019-11-25
2019-11-25
Fundraising appeal
2019-11-18
2019-11-18
SWIFT
2019-11-11
2019-11-11
Wedgwood
2019-11-04
2019-11-04
Get this podcast on your
phone, FREE
