What is Charles Simonyi's contribution to computer programming?

Answer 1

Charles Simonyi developed the Hungarian notation convention, where variables are named in order to automatically reveal their type, which is particularly useful in untyped languages. For instance, a variable named iValue signifies the value is an integer, while lpcszName signifies the name is a far pointer to a constant null-terminate string. A variable named m_iData signifies the data is an integer and also a class member.

While at Xerox PARC in 1972 he assisted in the development of the Xerox Alto, an early form of PC. He also assisted in the development of Bravo, a WYSIWYG document preparation program. In 1977 he received his PhD from Stanford with a dissertation on metaprogramming, a software project management technique.

He joined Microsoft in 1981 and oversaw the development of Microsoft Word and Excel, and eventually Office. He introduced Microsoft to his Hungarian notation which is widely used throughout all Microsoft software. He left Microsoft in 2002 to co-found Intentional Software which markets intentional programming concepts.

He was awarded the Wharton Infosys Business Transformation Award in 2004 for his innovative work in information technology.

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