Born: 1924 (Gentry County, Missouri)
Died: 2011
Biography:
Jean Bartik (née Betty Jean Jennings; December 27, 1924 – March 23, 2011) was an influential pioneer in the field of computer programming. She was one of the original six programmers for the ENIAC computer, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. Bartik’s exceptional contributions to the development of computing technology and her trailblazing career made her a key figure in the history of women in computing.
Born as Betty Jean Jennings in Gentry County, Missouri in 1924, Bartik was the sixth of seven children. Her father, William Smith Jennings, was a schoolteacher and farmer, and her mother, Lula May Spainhower, was a homemaker. Growing up in a small town, Bartik developed a love for learning early on. She was an avid reader and excelled in sports, particularly softball, earning local recognition for her skill.
Despite facing the challenges of growing up in a rural area with limited educational opportunities, Bartik was determined to pursue her passion for mathematics. To attend high school, she lived with her older sister in a neighboring town and made a daily commute at just 14 years old. In 1941, she graduated from Stanberry High School as the salutatorian, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence.
Bartik’s pursuit of higher education led her to Northwest Missouri State Teachers College (now known as Northwest Missouri State University), where she majored in mathematics with a minor in English. In 1945, she became the sole recipient of a mathematics degree in her class. Initially planning to study journalism, she switched to mathematics due to a strained relationship with her advisor. This decision ultimately shaped her future and set the stage for her groundbreaking career in computing.
In 1945, Bartik’s journey into the world of computing began when she joined the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Engineering. She started as a computer – a job title used to describe someone who performs complex calculations by hand. Bartik quickly developed an aptitude for computation and became a valued member of the team.
In 1945, the ENIAC project started at the Moore School, and Bartik was chosen as one of its programmers. ENIAC, an acronym for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was a revolutionary machine. Bartik and her colleagues, Betty Holberton, Ruth Teitelbaum, Kathleen Antonelli, Marlyn Meltzer, and Frances Spence, faced a monumental task of programming this highly complex and groundbreaking computer.
The ENIAC programmers had to devise innovative coding systems and develop new techniques for the machine’s operation. They pioneered the concepts of machine programming and debugging, effectively creating the field of computer programming as we know it today. Bartik’s contributions included designing the programming tables and developing new techniques for numerical calculation. Her work on ENIAC laid the foundation for modern computing and propelled her into the annals of history.
After their remarkable achievement with the ENIAC, Bartik and her colleagues continued their trailblazing work. They went on to program the BINAC and UNIVAC computers, contributing to the advancement of computing technology. Bartik’s expertise and technical skills led her to hold various positions in the computing industry, including writer, manager, engineer, and programmer. The impact of her work extended beyond individual projects, as she influenced and inspired future generations of computer scientists.
In her later years, Bartik pursued a career in real estate, balancing her technical skills with her passion for helping others find homes. She dedicated herself to her work and made a significant impact in this field as well. Tragically, she passed away in 2011 from complications of congestive heart failure, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and empower women in computing.
Jean Bartik’s impact on the field of computer programming cannot be overstated. Her groundbreaking achievements, dedication, and perseverance shaped the course of computing history. Bartik and her fellow ENIAC programmers challenged societal norms, paving the way for women in a male-dominated field. Their contributions to programming and their role in women’s history will be forever remembered and celebrated.
Awards:
– Honorary Doctorate Degree from Northwest Missouri State University (2002)
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