Larry Tesler: Scientist behind cut-copy-paste computer command dies

The cut-copy-paste computer command is used by many people every single day, but sadly its inventor has passed away at the age of 74.

Larry Tesler was a key figure in the computer industry, working at several famous tech firms, including Apple, Amazon and Yahoo.

However, he was best known for creating the cut-copy-paste computer command during his time at Xerox in the 1970s.

READ ALSO: How Nairobi downpour inspired innovator to change disabled persons’ lives

Xerox tweeted the sad news last night, writing: “The inventor of cut/copy & paste, find & replace, and more was former Xerox researcher Larry Tesler.

“Your workday is easier thanks to his revolutionary ideas. Larry passed away Monday, so please join us in celebrating him.”

Mr Tesler was born in New York in 1945 and studied at Stanford University in California.

While his career started at Xerox, he was poached by Steve Jobs for Apple, where he then spent 17 years, rising to chief scientist.

Speaking to the BBC about Silicon Valley back in 2012, he said: "There's almost a rite of passage - after you've made some money, you don't just retire, you spend your time funding other companies.

"There's a very strong element of excitement, of being able to share what you've learned with the next generation."

READ ALSO: Meet Gatonye, the Laikipia inventor of home-made tuk tuks

His famous cut-copy-paste innovation was reportedly based on the old method of editing, in which people would physically cut portions of printed text and glue them elsewhere.

Apple incorporated the software into its Lisa computer in 1983, and the original Macintosh that was released in 1984.