# Brad Cox

> American computer scientist (1944–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q2738864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2738864)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Cox)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brad-cox

## Summary
Brad Cox was an American computer scientist and software engineer who is best known for creating the Objective-C programming language in 1984. His work fundamentally influenced object-oriented programming and became instrumental in Apple's software ecosystem.

## Biography
- Born: May 2, 1944, in Fort Benning
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor of Science in organic chemistry and mathematics from Furman University; Doctor of Philosophy in mathematical biology from University of Chicago
- Known for: Creating the Objective-C programming language (1984)
- Employer(s): Stepstone Corporation
- Field(s): Computer science, software engineering

## Contributions
Brad Cox's most significant contribution was the creation of the Objective-C programming language in 1984. Developed during his time at Stepstone Corporation, this language combined the capabilities of the C programming language with Smalltalk-style messaging. Objective-C became a cornerstone in software development, notably as the primary language used for macOS and iOS app development before Swift's rise. Cox co-authored the influential book "Object-Oriented Programming: An Evolutionary Approach" which introduced object-oriented programming concepts to a wider audience. His work laid foundational concepts for later programming language developments and established paradigms that influenced numerous other languages and frameworks in the software engineering field.

## FAQs
### Q: What programming language did Brad Cox create?
A: Brad Cox created the Objective-C programming language in 1984, which combined C with Smalltalk-style messaging.

### Q: Where was Brad Cox educated?
A: Brad Cox earned a Bachelor of Science in organic chemistry and mathematics from Furman University and a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematical biology from the University of Chicago.

### Q: When did Brad Cox live?
A: Brad Cox was born on May 2, 1944, and passed away on January 2, 2021.

### Q: What was Brad Cox's primary field of work?
A: Brad Cox primarily worked as a computer scientist and software engineer, with his most notable contribution being the creation of the Objective-C programming language.

### Q: Where was Brad Cox born and where did he die?
A: Brad Cox was born in Fort Benning and died in Manassas, both in the United States.

## Why They Matter
Brad Cox fundamentally changed the landscape of programming through his development of Objective-C. His work bridged the gap between procedural programming (C) and object-oriented paradigms, influencing how developers think about software design. The success of Objective-C, particularly in Apple's ecosystem, demonstrates Cox's lasting impact on modern computing. Without his contributions, the development of many object-oriented applications might have followed a different trajectory. His work also laid groundwork for subsequent programming language innovations and continues to be referenced in computer science education. Cox's influence extends beyond just a language—he shaped how programmers conceptualize and implement software architectures.

## Notable For
- Creating the Objective-C programming language (1984)
- Developing the "mixin" concept in object-oriented programming
- Co-authoring "Object-Oriented Programming: An Evolutionary Approach"
- Bridging procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms
- Influencing Apple's software development ecosystem through Objective-C

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Brad Cox was born on May 2, 1944, in Fort Benning. He demonstrated academic excellence early in his career, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Furman University with a focus on organic chemistry and mathematics. Cox pursued advanced studies at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in mathematical biology.

### Professional Career
Cox established himself as both a computer scientist and software engineer. His professional background included work at Stepstone Corporation where he developed the Objective-C programming language. Throughout his career, he contributed to advancing object-oriented programming concepts, though specific employers beyond Stepstone are not detailed in the provided material.

### Technical Contributions
Cox's most significant technical achievement was the development of Objective-C in 1984. This programming language combined the efficiency of C with the dynamic messaging capabilities of Smalltalk. His implementation introduced the "mixin" concept, allowing classes to contribute methods to other classes without inheritance—a significant advancement in object-oriented programming.

Cox co-authored the influential book "Object-Oriented Programming: An Evolutionary Approach," which helped disseminate object-oriented concepts to a broader audience. His work established programming paradigms that influenced subsequent language design and software development practices.

### Legacy and Recognition
Brad Cox passed away on January 2, 2021, in Manassas. His work has been formally recognized through multiple identifiers including ISNI (000000011080764X), GND (1158057393), and VIAF (108156866). The widespread adoption of Objective-C, particularly in Apple's software ecosystem, stands as a testament to Cox's lasting influence in computer science. His ideas continue to be referenced in programming language design and object-oriented programming education.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/scnow/name/brad-cox-obituary?pid=197454225)
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/n85218607)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File