Thomas E. Kurtz, a Creator of Basic Computer Language, Dies at 96

Thomas E. Kurtz, co-creator of the BASIC programming language, passed away at the age of 96 due to multiple organ failure from sepsis. Kurtz, a mathematician at Dartmouth College, was instrumental in making computers accessible to a broader range of students in the early 1960s, a time when computers were large and primarily used by specialists. Alongside John G. Kemeny, he developed the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, which allowed multiple users to access a single computer simultaneously. They also created BASIC, a user-friendly programming language designed for beginners, which became widely adopted in educational settings. The language's simplicity allowed students to learn programming quickly, with commands like "RUN" and "PRINT" making it intuitive. BASIC's interactive nature marked a significant shift in how users engaged with computers, paving the way for future programming languages and personal computing. Kurtz's contributions have had a lasting impact, influencing generations of programmers, including Bill Gates. He spent his career at Dartmouth, where he also directed the Kiewit Computation Center and helped establish a master's program in computer and information systems. Kurtz is survived by his wife, Agnes, three children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

- Thomas E. Kurtz co-created the BASIC programming language, enhancing computer accessibility for students.

- He developed the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, allowing multiple users to share a single computer.

- BASIC became a foundational tool in programming education and influenced future software development.

- Kurtz's work significantly impacted the evolution of personal computing and programming languages.

- He spent his entire career at Dartmouth College, contributing to various educational initiatives in computing.