What was the analytical engine?
Channel: internet-class
Date: 2016-12-01

One of the first visions of what would become the computer was Charles Babbage’s analytical engine. While the design for his mechanical computer was never realized, he is still considered the father of the modern computer. And his designs were furthered through a long-running correspondence with Countess Ada Lovelace, who is widely considered the first computer programmer. She not only helped explain Babbage’s creation, but also described what is considered the first computer algorithm that could have run on the analytical engine. Although they operate very differently, Babbage’s vision found realization in the computers we use today.

Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).

Part of the https://www.internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://www.bluegroup.systems) production.