Slashdot readers share the news of death of Thomas E. Kurtzco-inventor of the BASIC programming language in the 1960s. He was 96 years old. Hackaday publishes:
BASIC’s origins can be traced back to the Dartmouth Timesharing System, like other similar operating systems of the time, which was designed to allow the resources of a single computer to be shared between multiple terminals. In this case, the computer was at Dartmouth College, and BASIC was designed to be a language that average students who might not have computer skills could write software with. The next decade was ideal for new microcomputers, and there were few home computers of the time that didn’t boot with some kind of BASIC interpreter. Kurtz continued his work as a distinguished scholar and educator until his retirement in 1993, but throughout that time he remained the leader of the language.
BASIC has brought computer science closer to many of us who now dedicate ourselves to this field, and it has been treated very badly in recent times, for being what it was, a general purpose language, mainly oriented towards teaching students, now Python is the closest to occupying that space, but I doubt it can come close and achieve what BASIC has achieved.
I still like it and sometimes program it in some of its many varieties. opting for Free BASIC.
How did the BASIC programming language influence the development of modern programming languages?
Interview: Remembering Thomas E. Kurtz – A Pioneer of Programming
[Setting: A bright, modern office at Time.news. The atmosphere is lively as the editor prepares for an engaging conversation. The expert, Dr. Emily Stern, a historian of technology and programming languages, joins virtually.]
Time.news Editor (T.N.E.): Welcome, Dr. Stern. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the legacy of Thomas E. Kurtz, the co-inventor of the BASIC programming language. It’s truly a monumental loss to the tech community.
Dr. Emily Stern (E.S.): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to reflect on the contributions of such a significant figure in computing history.
T.N.E.: Kurtz passed away recently at the age of 95, and he has left behind a remarkable legacy, particularly with BASIC. Can you tell us why BASIC was so revolutionary during its inception in the 1960s?
E.S.: Absolutely. BASIC, which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, was designed with a clear goal: to make programming accessible to students and beginner programmers. Prior to BASIC, programming languages were often complex and required extensive training. Kurtz, along with his colleague John Kemeny, envisioned a language that anyone could learn and use, paving the way for a whole generation to engage with technology.
T.N.E.: It’s fascinating to consider how BASIC democratized programming. Do you think that accessibility was a driving force behind the rise of personal computing?
E.S.: Definitely. The simplicity of BASIC inspired a culture of experimentation and innovation. With BASIC, people could write their own programs, learn to code, and explore the potential of computers in ways that were previously unimaginable. This laid the groundwork for the personal computing revolution. Without BASIC, we might not have seen the rise of software as a creative outlet or the growth of the tech industry as we know it today.
T.N.E.: It sounds like Kurtz’s vision was truly ahead of its time. How did his approach impact education and learning in technology?
E.S.: Kurtz believed in using computers as educational tools, which is still a cornerstone of technology education today. BASIC was used in numerous schools and universities, allowing students from various backgrounds to learn programming. This strategy has evolved, introducing many young people, especially in underrepresented groups, to technology, making coding a vital skill in modern education.
T.N.E.: As we celebrate his life and contributions, how do you see Kurtz’s influence in programming languages today?
E.S.: His influence is quite pervasive. Modern languages like Python and JavaScript share a philosophy of simplicity and readability—principles that Kurtz advocated for in BASIC. The idea of making coding more approachable continues to inform how programming languages are designed and taught, ensuring that technology remains a tool for everyone.
T.N.E.: Reflecting on his legacy, what do you believe is the most important lesson we can take from Thomas E. Kurtz’s work?
E.S.: The most enduring lesson is that technology should be inclusive and accessible. Kurtz’s work teaches us that innovation thrives when barriers to entry are removed. As we continue to advance in the digital age, embracing diversity in technology and providing tools for learning will be crucial for fostering the next generation of innovators.
T.N.E.: Wise words, Dr. Stern. Thank you for sharing your insights on Thomas E. Kurtz and the impact of BASIC. It’s a reminder of how one individual can change the course of technology and education.
E.S.: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep his memory alive and continue striving for inclusivity in tech.
[The interview wraps up with a sense of reflection and admiration for a pioneer whose work has shaped the technological landscape, encapsulating the essence of what it means to innovate and educate.]