August 17, 1960
First COBOL program executed
The first COBOLCommon Business-Oriented Language — a language designed for business data processing on mainframes. program ran on an RCA 501, proving the new business language could compile and execute.
What it was for
This proved COBOLCommon Business-Oriented Language — a language designed for business data processing on mainframes. could replace custom assembly for business apps. The same program later ran on another vendor's hardware — the whole point was one language for invoices, accounts, and reports across different computer brands.
Why it's here
Specifications matter; a running program proved COBOLCommon Business-Oriented Language — a language designed for business data processing on mainframes. was more than a committee document.
Why it mattered
By December 1960 the same program ran on multiple vendors' machines, demonstrating portability.
What it solved
Skeptics doubted a common business language could be implemented by competing hardware makers.
Media
ImageCOBOLJames S. Davis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- COBOL language finalizedDecember 17, 1959