This paper surveys the evolution of high level programming languages during the first decade of computer programming activity. We discuss the contributions of Zuse (Plankalkul, 1945), Goldstine/von Neumann (Flow Diagrams, 1946), Curry (Composition, 1948), Mauchly et al. (Short Code, 1950), Burks (Intermediate PL, 1950), Rutishauser (1951), Bohm (1951), Glennie (AUTOCODE, 1952), Hopper et al. (A-2, 1953), Laning/Zierler (1953), Backus et al. (FORTRAN, 1954-1957), Brooker (Mark I Autocode, 1954), Kamynin/Liubimskii (P.P., 19654), Ershov (P.P., 1955), Grems/Porter (Bacaic, 1955), Elsworth et al. (Kompiler 2, 1955), Blum (ADES, 1956), Perlis et al. (IT, 1956), Katz et al. (MATH-MATIC, 1956-1958), Hopper et al. (FLOW-MATIC, 1956-1958), Bauer/Samelson (1956-1958). The principal features of each contribution are illustrated; and for purposes of comparison, a particular fixed algorithm has been encoded (as far as possible) in each of the languages. This research is based primarily on unpublished source materials, and the authors hope that they have been able to compile a fairly complete picture of the early developments in this area. This article was commissioned by the Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology, ed. by Jack Belzer, Albert G. Holzman, and Allen Kent, and it is scheduled to appear in vol. 6 or vol. 7 of that encyclopedia during 1977. (Author)