Stephen A. Cook

Stephen A. Cook is a renowned computer scientist known for his fundamental work in computational complexity theory. In 1971, he introduced the concept of NP-completeness, identifying problems that are difficult to solve efficiently but whose solutions can be verified quickly. His research helps classify the difficulty of computational problems, influencing how algorithms are developed and understanding the limits of what computers can efficiently solve. Cook’s work is foundational in theoretical computer science, shaping the way researchers approach problem-solving in computing.