The Howdy Glossary

The ENIAC Short Code, or ENIAC Programming System (EPS), was an early programming system developed in 1946 for the electronic computer ENIAC. This system utilized a combination of English words, mathematical symbols, and abbreviations to simplify programming operations on the ENIAC. By allowing users to input instructions without the need to physically reconfigure hardware each time, EPS served as an intermediary between low-level circuitry coding and later high-level programming languages.

Developed by a team led by John von Neumann, the EPS distinguished itself with its innovative approach which blended linguistic elements and mathematical symbols to represent operations and data. This made programming more accessible compared to the cumbersome methods of using machine code directly through switches and plugboards. By streamlining the programming process, EPS marked an important step towards easier and more efficient programming practices that would pave the way for future advancements in software development tools.

Although there were no direct competitors offering a similar system for ENIAC at that time, EPS laid foundational principles that influenced subsequent developments in programming languages such as assembly languages, FORTRAN, and COBOL. These advancements ultimately became competitors within the broader field of computer programming systems. The user-friendly design of EPS eliminated physical hardware reconfiguration needs and simplified input processes significantly—an innovative leap that contributed greatly to shaping modern programming methodologies still relevant today.