The UNIVAC SHORT CODE

The UNIVAC SHORT CODE, the first example of a high level programming language actually intended to be used with an electronic computer was proposed by John W. Mauchly in July 1949. SHORT CODE was implemented as an interpreter by W.F. Schmitt and was first run on UNIVAC I Serial 1 in 1950. A revised version prepared in 1952 by A.B. Tonik and J.R. Logan still exists and is described with some examples. Some of Mauchly's thoughts on programming at that time are set forth in a previously unpublished fragment attached as an appendix.