Grace Murray Hopper

[Cross-Posted From Vox.]

How could I have missed this person in my travels?

I've just been reading about Grace Murray Hopper,
the inventor of COBOL and an Commodore (Rear Admiral) in the U.S. Navy.
Others have done a better job at summarizing her life than I could,
especially since I just discovered her moments ago.

Not only did she invent the term "bugs", she is also responsible for one of my favourite quotes. It is often easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. I also like, and have used without attribution: A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.

It
is exciting to come across a woman who was a high-achiever and a
"mother of invention", especially in the field of technology. The
military aspect just blows my mind. I think I know what to do with that
Indigo/Chapters gift certificate that I got for my birthday a few
months ago – a bio on this remarkable woman looks like great winter reading.