 No. 30 Donald E Knuth, professor emeritus of The Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University
Last year's position: 34
Donald E Knuth's seminal work on computer algorithms has fresh relevance - he's risen 4 positions from last year - in the current software patent debate. Because he has documented so many algorithms and they can be regarded in the public domain, programmers and companies have a defence in fighting copyright infringement suits.
Knuth is the author of the several books on algorithms as well as the Art of Computer Programming, many of which are used as university textbooks and referenced by pros. Though officially retired from academia, he continues to write and give speeches and remains an influential presence in the world of software development.
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