Turbo Pascal, a commercial sensation in the software market, originated from a compiler written for the Nascom microcomputer in 1980. Its creator, Anders Hejlsberg, developed the foundation of this system while studying electrical engineering at the Technical University of Denmark. This early project evolved into one of the most successful development tools in computing history.
Early Development and Borland
Before joining Borland, Hejlsberg authored the Blue Label Software Pascal for the Nascom-2. Influenced by Niklaus Wirth’s Tiny Pascal, he adapted the compiler for CP/M and MS-DOS environments under the names Compas Pascal and PolyPascal. Upon moving to California in 1989 to serve as Chief Engineer at Borland, he oversaw the further refinement of Turbo Pascal and led the architectural team that built Borland Delphi.
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Hejlsberg transitioned to Microsoft in October 1996, a move facilitated by a significant financial package involving stock options and a million-dollar bonus. During his tenure, he contributed to the J++ language and Windows Foundation Classes. His subsequent roles include positions as a Microsoft Distinguished Engineer and Technical Fellow, establishing his influence over the company's development tools.
Architectural Contributions
Since 2000, Hejlsberg has served as the lead architect for the C# language. His technical output includes the .NET Framework and extensive work on C# design patterns such as delegates and generics. In 2012, he announced TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, further expanding his impact on modern web programming. He authored several editions of The C# Programming Language between 2006 and 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 December 1960, Copenhagen
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
- Education: Technical University of Denmark
- Major employers: Borland, Microsoft
- Notable languages: Turbo Pascal, Delphi, C#, TypeScript
- 2001 Award: Dr. Dobb's Excellence in Programming Award
- 2014 Award: IT Award
Questions readers ask
What was Hejlsberg's first major software success?
His first major commercial success was the Turbo Pascal compiler, which he developed while working with Borland.
Which languages is Hejlsberg currently associated with?
He serves as the lead architect for C# and is a core developer for the TypeScript project at Microsoft.
Achievements
- Notable work: Turbo Pascal
- Notable work: Delphi
- Notable work: TypeScript
- Affiliated with Microsoft and Borland
- Educated at Technical University of Denmark
- Worked as programmer, systems architect and computer scientist
