The first computer concept was invented by Charles Babbage in the early 19th century, with his design of the mechanical Difference Engine announced in 1822 and the more advanced Analytical Engine conceptualized in 1833. However, these designs were never fully built during his lifetime. The first fully operational electronic general-purpose digital computer, ENIAC, was completed in 1945 and put to practical use by the end of that year.
Early Mechanical Computers
- Charles Babbage is considered the "father of the computer" for his design of mechanical computers in the 19th century, including the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine, which had programmable capabilities using punched cards, making it a precursor concept to modern computing.
The First Electronic Digital Computer
- ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), completed in 1945, was the first programmable, electronic, general-purpose digital computer. It was used initially for military calculations and was formally dedicated in 1946. ENIAC marked the beginning of modern computing technology.
Other Notable Early Machines
- The Antikythera mechanism from ancient Greece (circa 200 BC) is considered an early mechanical computer used for astronomical calculations.
- Konrad Zuse's Z3 computer (1941) was an early programmable electromechanical computer, but ENIAC is often recognized as the first fully electronic one.
In summary, the first computer idea was invented by Charles Babbage in the early 1800s, but the first actual working electronic computer was ENIAC, completed in 1945.
