How I Became Interested in Programming Languages

In 1960, the opportunities for building computers in universities were fading. Computers had become too big, complex, and expensive. The focus shifted to programming and to bringing order into the new subject of software design. Even though this task seemed elusive, mainly because it involved not only designing better languages, but also educating people to make use of such improvements. Nevertheless, for Dr. Wirth, the goal was worthwhile—a goal he pursued for more than three decades, during which time he designed and implemented Algol W, Pascal, Modula-2, and Oberon.

Odysseys in Technology, A Computer History Museum Speaker Series Sponsored by Sun Microsystems Laboratories, presents people and perspectives behind extraordinary innovations and advancements in the computer technology-related world. Each event in the Series provides stimulating interaction with authentic experts whose achievements have transformed how things are done or viewed, and to examine how their personal stories might inform the present and future. These programs occasionally feature technologies or point events, with the objective to apply lessons of history to present day understanding and inspiration.