10 Ways Grace Hopper Pioneered the Invention of COBOL

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“The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’”

— A quote by Grace Hopper, Pioneering Computer Scientist

Today, on March 8th, 2026, I celebrate International Women’s Day and all of the incredible women who have contributed to my life and well being — both in person and through famous examples.

Of course, I have to reflect on my 30 memorable and extraordinary years as a COBOL programmer where I’ve participated in creating, supporting, and modernizing systems in both the insurance industry and government.

Credit is due to those brave innovators, 67 years ago, who took steps to create a Common Business-Oriented Language which would not only stand the test of time but would be so essential in powering the systems of banks, insurance companies, and governments to this day.

There were various women involved in the first version of COBOL such as Jean E. Sammet and Mary K. Hawes, for example. However, Grace Hopper is the most famous name connected with the creation of COBOL. She participated in developing its important predecessors, was a leader in standardizing programming languages, and was the original technical supporter.

Today I specifically want to celebrate Grace’s contribution to the creation of the COBOL programming language which has survived through numerous advances in technology and has resulted in a lifelong livelihood for so many.

There are at least 10 ways Grace Hopper contributed to the invention and development of COBOL:

1. Created the First Compiler (A-0): In 1952, Grace Hopper developed the A-0 system, the first compiler, which translated mathematical code into machine-readable binary code. This created the technical foundation for high-level languages like COBOL.
2. Developed FLOW-MATIC: Grace Hopper designed and implemented FLOW-MATIC (originally B-0), the first programming language to use English-like commands, which served as the direct predecessor and base for COBOL.
3. Championed English-Language Programming: Up until the time of Grace Hopper, the consensus was that computers could only understand mathematical notation. Grace argued that programming should be accessible to business users through English words.
4. Promoted Machine Independence: Hard as the concept may be to believe in today’s world, programs at that time were locked to a single machine. Grace Hopper advocated for languages that could run on multiple types of hardware, which was a key feature of COBOL.
5. Incorporated FLOW-MATIC Concepts into COBOL: Key structural elements of FLOW-MATIC, the language Grace Hopper had previously developed, were incorporated into COBOL. Two examples are the separation of input/output operations and the division of programs into distinct sections.
6. Led the Charge for Standardization (CODASYL): In 1959, Grace Hopper worked to establish the Conference on Data Systems Languages (CODASYL) to create a common, vendor-independent business language.
7. Advocated for User-Friendly Syntax: Grace Hopper also drove the design philosophy that COBOL should read like plain English (for instance, “ADD total TO balance”), making it easier to maintain, review, and use by non-specialists.
8. Developed Early Data Processing Concepts: Before COBOL, Grace Hopper initiated techniques for business-oriented data processing, separating data definitions from instructions, which became central to COBOL’s structure.
9. Standardized Navy Language Requirements: As a Navy officer, Grace Hopper implemented strict standards for testing computer systems, forcing vendors to adopt and conform to the emerging COBOL standard.
10. Refined Compiler Technology for Business: Grace Hopper adapted her compiler technology specifically for business applications (accounting/payroll), ensuring the compiler could handle the word-based, data-heavy nature of COBOL.

As you can see, Grace Hopper was a strong force both before and during the introduction of the COBOL programming language.

Prior to becoming part of the Conference on Data Systems Languages (CODASYL), she had created an easy-to-read programming language, FLOW-MATIC and passed on some of the concepts of that language when inventing COBOL, specifically for business applications and ensuring that it could be run on multiple machines.

Her strong Navy background also allowed her to implement strict testing standards for the new language.

Grace Hopper made such a significant contribution to current programming that it is often underestimated. I’m happy to be able to recognize this strong and accomplished woman on International Women’s Day.

It’s been a benefit for the world today that she didn’t follow the reasoning that ‘We’ve always done it this way.’