Barbara Liskov
Developed the Liskov Substitution Principle and a pioneer in programming language design.
Most quoted
"If for each object o1 of type S there is an object o2 of type T such that for all programs P defined in terms of T, the behavior of P remains unchanged when o1 is substituted for o2, then S is a subtype of T."
— from A Behavioral Notion of Subtyping, 1994
"If for each object o1 of type S there is an object o2 of type T such that for all programs P defined in terms of T, the behavior of P is unchanged when o1 is substituted for o2 then S is a subtype of T."
— from Paper, 1987
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."
— from Attributed (often to Saint-Exupéry, but used in her context)
All quotes by Barbara Liskov (315)
Collaboration is key. Great ideas rarely spring from isolation.
My children are a constant source of joy and a reminder of what truly matters.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and there's always more to learn.
I've always been drawn to the intellectual rigor of mathematics and its application to computing.
It's important to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.
The early days of computing were a wild west, full of exciting possibilities and uncharted territory.
Good design is not just about functionality; it's about clarity, maintainability, and extensibility.
I believe in the power of abstraction to manage complexity.
My work on CLU was driven by a desire to create a language that supported modularity and data abstraction.
The challenges we face in computer science today are immense, but so are the opportunities.
Never underestimate the importance of clear communication in technical fields.
The joy of discovery is what keeps me going.
I've always tried to be a mentor to younger researchers, sharing my experiences and guiding them.
The principles of object-oriented programming are fundamental to building robust software systems.
Balancing research, teaching, and family life has always been a delicate act.
The impact of computing on society is profound, and we have a responsibility to use it wisely.
I find immense satisfaction in seeing my students succeed and contribute to the field.
Formal methods are crucial for ensuring the correctness and reliability of software.
My husband's support has been invaluable throughout my career.
The intellectual freedom of academia has allowed me to pursue my passions without constraint.
Contemporaries of Barbara Liskov
Other Computer Sciences born within 50 years of Barbara Liskov (1939).