Although a number of people claim to be the inventor of the computer, in reality the question of “Who invented the computer?” defies a simple answer. Indeed, in truth, the computer really was not “invented” by a solitary person. Rather, a number of people have contributed to the “invention” (perhaps “creation” is a better term) of the computer as we have come to know it today.
In 1936, Konrad Zuse invented the first freely programmable computer. This was followed by the work of John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry who developed what became known as the ABC Computer.
A major turning point occurred with the development of computer vacuum tubes in 1946. The creators of this innovation were John Presper Eckert & John W. Mauchly.
The quest for who invented the computer Takes us next to the work of Frederic Williams & Tom Kilburn who invented computer memory in a form that would be recognizable even today.
IBM became a player in the who invented the computer game in 1953. IBM researchers as a group added greatly to advancements made in computerized innovation in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. On the heals of the IBM entry into the mix, FORTRAN – the first programmable computer language – was created in 1954 by John Backus at IBM.
Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce invented the integrated circuit in 1958, a component that commonly is known as the “computer chip.”
The Intel 4004 microprocessor was invented in 1971 by Messrs. Faggin, Hoff and Mazor. This represented the first ever microprocessor, Intel products remaining a major force on the market even yet today.
As can be seen even from this quick and brief overview, answering the question “Who invented the computer?” is not something subject to an easy or simplistic answer. Indeed, there were countless developments in computers since the basic innovations recounted in this brief overview. And, naturally, there are unimaginable innovations yet to come in future years.