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Margaret Hamilton: The Secret of Becoming the Mother of Software Engineering?
In the history of technology, there are some names that are quietly shaping the future. Margaret Hamilton was one of them. An American computer scientist and software engineering pioneer, she led us into the great age of space exploration, defining the term "software engineering" in the process. Hamilton's story is not only a part of the history of science and technology, but also a symbol of women's struggle and breakthroughs in STEM fields.
Early life and education
Hamilton was born in Paoli, Indiana in 1936 and later moved to Michigan with his family. After graduating from Hancock High School in 1954, she entered the University of Michigan, majoring in mathematics, and then transferred to Earl Hahn College, where she received a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a minor in philosophy in 1958. Her achievements are inseparable from her mother's encouragement and the influence of her family background.
Starting a career
Hamilton began her career in 1959 working in the meteorology department at MIT, developing software to predict the weather. Her work led to the further development of chaos theory. At the time, computer science and software engineering were not formal disciplines, and programmers learned on the job.
When you are a newcomer, they assign you a program that no one has ever understood or run. When I first started, they did the same.
Experience with the SAGE Project
Between 1961 and 1963, Hamilton worked on the U.S. Air Force's SAGE project, writing software for the AN/FSQ-7 computer, which played a key role in weather forecasting and air defense operations. Her success not only enhanced her skills, but also served as a springboard for joining NASA in the future.
Join NASA and the Apollo Program
In 1965, after learning about the Apollo program, Hamilton decided to participate in this exciting lunar exploration project. She became the first programmer hired for MIT's Apollo program and eventually became head of the software engineering department.
I had already prepared for the eventuality. When the priority display comes on, first count to five.
Successful landing of Apollo 11
During the critical moments of Apollo 11's landing, software written by Hamilton's team successfully handled multiple computer alarms, preventing the landing mission from being aborted. Even in an emergency, the Apollo Guidance Computer was programmed to limit unnecessary tasks and ensure the safety of the astronauts.
If the computers had not recognized this problem and taken recovery action, I doubt Apollo 11 would have made it to the moon.
Starting a tech company
In 1976, Hamilton founded Higher Order Software, a company dedicated to developing more effective error prevention and fault tolerance techniques based on her experience with the Apollo program. She then founded Hamilton Technologies in 1986 to further advance the concepts of system design and software development.
Legacy and Accolades
Hamilton has always been a symbol of feminism in science and technology. Her pioneering contributions in the field of "software engineering" have opened up a path for countless women to enter the STEM field. She has received several honors for her work, including the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
I started using the term "software engineering" to distinguish it from hardware and other types of engineering.
Conclusion
Margaret Hamilton's achievements embody a combination of innovation, perseverance and brilliance. She not only changed our understanding of software, but also became a banner for women in the field of science and technology. Hamilton's story makes us think, how much potential of women has yet to be tapped in the future?
