# Cornelis H. A. Koster

> Dutch computer scientist (1943-2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q5171232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5171232)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelis_H._A._Koster)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cornelis-h-a-koster

## Summary

Cornelis H. A. Koster was born on July 13, 1943, in Haarlem . He worked as a computer scientist, university teacher, and engineer [1]. His career included positions at Radboud University, Technische Universität Berlin, and again at Radboud University from 1976 until his death [1].Koster died on March 21, 2013, as a result of a traffic collision .

Here’s the structured biographical entry for Cornelis H. A. Koster:

---

## Summary  
Cornelis H. A. Koster was a Dutch computer scientist (1943–2013) known for his contributions to programming languages, particularly as a developer of ELAN, an educational language for systematic programming. He was affiliated with institutions like Radboud University and the University of Amsterdam and mentored notable students, including Erik Meijer.

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## Biography  
- **Born**: July 13, 1943, in Haarlem, Netherlands  
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of the Netherlands  
- **Education**: Educated at the University of Amsterdam  
- **Known for**: Development of ELAN (1974), contributions to ALGOL 68  
- **Employer(s)**: Radboud University, Technische Universität Berlin, University of Amsterdam  
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, programming languages  

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## Contributions  
Cornelis H. A. Koster was instrumental in developing ELAN, an educational programming language introduced in 1974 to teach systematic programming. His work on ALGOL 68 further solidified his reputation in programming language design. As a professor at Radboud University, he influenced generations of computer scientists, including doctoral students like Erik Meijer and Mark van den Brand. His academic leadership extended to roles at Technische Universität Berlin, where he contributed to formal language theory and compiler construction. Koster’s legacy includes both technical advancements and pedagogical innovations in computer science education.

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## FAQs  
### Q: What programming language did Cornelis H. A. Koster develop?  
A: Koster co-developed ELAN in 1974, an educational language designed to teach systematic programming principles.  

### Q: Where did Cornelis H. A. Koster work?  
A: He held positions at Radboud University, Technische Universität Berlin, and the University of Amsterdam.  

### Q: Who were some of Koster’s notable students?  
A: His doctoral students included Erik Meijer, Mark van den Brand, and Günter Hommel, all of whom became influential computer scientists.  

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## Why They Matter  
Cornelis H. A. Koster’s work bridged theoretical computer science and practical education, particularly through ELAN, which streamlined programming instruction. His mentorship shaped key figures in the field, such as Erik Meijer, whose work on functional programming languages like Haskell and LINQ reflects Koster’s influence. Without his contributions, the pedagogy of programming languages might lack the systematic rigor he championed. His interdisciplinary approach also advanced compiler design and formal language theory, leaving a lasting imprint on academia and industry.

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## Notable For  
- **Development of ELAN** (1974), an influential educational programming language.  
- **Mentorship** of prominent computer scientists, including Erik Meijer.  
- **Contributions to ALGOL 68**, a foundational programming language.  
- **Academic leadership** at Radboud University and Technische Universität Berlin.  

---

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
- Born July 13, 1943, in Haarlem, Netherlands.  
- Educated at the University of Amsterdam.  

### Career  
- Professor at Radboud University (from 1976) and Technische Universität Berlin.  
- Developed ELAN in 1974 for educational purposes.  

### Legacy  
- Doctoral students included Erik Meijer and Mark van den Brand.  
- Died March 21, 2013, in a traffic collision.  

---

## Schema Markup  
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  "name": "Cornelis H. A. Koster",
  "jobTitle": "Computer scientist",
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  "birthDate": "1943-07-13",
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## References

1. Proeven van eigen cultuur, vijfenzeventig jaar Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen 1923-1998 Deel II 1960-1998. 1998
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research