Jerry Tesler, the pioneering computer scientist who passed away on February 16, 2020, at the age of 74, has left an indelible mark on the world of computing. He was the man behind many of the user interface innovations that we take for granted today, such as the copy-paste function and the graphical user interface (GUI) that we now use to interact with our computers.
Early Life and Education
Jerry Tesler was born on April 17, 1945, in the Bronx, New York, to Jewish parents who had fled from Nazi Germany. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and was the first in his family to attend college. Tesler received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stanford University in 1965 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford in 1969.
Early Career and Contributions to Computing
After completing his Ph.D., Tesler went to work at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center), where he worked on the development of the first graphical user interface (GUI). He was also responsible for the creation of many of the user interface innovations that we use today, such as the copy-paste function, which he developed while working on the Gypsy word processor.
During his time at Xerox PARC, Tesler also worked on the development of the Smalltalk programming language, which was one of the first object-oriented programming languages. Tesler’s work on Smalltalk was instrumental in the development of modern programming languages such as Java and Python.
Later Career and Contributions to Apple
In 1980, Tesler left Xerox PARC to join Apple, where he continued to work on user interface design. He was instrumental in the development of the Lisa computer, which was the first personal computer to offer a GUI. Tesler also worked on the development of the Macintosh, which was released in 1984 and became one of the most popular personal computers of all time.
Tesler’s contributions to Apple were not limited to user interface design. He also played a key role in the development of the Apple Newton, which was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a precursor to modern smartphones.
Legacy and Impact on Computing
Jerry Tesler’s contributions to computing have had a profound impact on the way we use computers today. His work on the development of the GUI and the copy-paste function have become so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted.
Tesler’s legacy is also evident in the way that we use technology today. His focus on user-centered design and ease of use has influenced the development of modern smartphones, tablets, and other devices that we use to interact with technology on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Jerry Tesler was a true pioneer in the field of computing, whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the way we use technology today. His work on the development of the GUI and the copy-paste function have become so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted. Tesler’s legacy is a testament to the importance of user-centered design and ease of use in the development of technology.
