Name: John Cocke

Born: May 30, 1925, in Charlotte, North Carolina

Death: July 16, 2002 (Age: 77)

  • American computer scientist often referred to as “the father of RISC architecture.”
  • Known for his contribution to computer architecture and optimizing compiler design.
  • One of the inventors of CYK algorithm (C for Cocke).

Honors and awards

  • Benjamin Franklin Medal (2000).
  • Seymour Cray Computer Science and Engineering Award (1999).
  • Franklin Institute’s Certificate of Merit (1996).
  • National Medal of Science (1994).
  • National Medal of Technology (1991).
  • ACM Turing Award (1987).
  • Eckert-Mauchly Award (1985).