Key Figure

Contribution/ Milestone

Timeframe

Charles Babbage

Designed the Analytical Engine, the first concept of a programmable computer. Considered the “Father of the Computer.”

Early 1800s

Ada Lovelace

Collaborated with Babbage and wrote the first algorithm for the Analytical Engine. Known as the first computer programmer.

Mid-1800s

George Boole

Developed Boolean algebra, laying the groundwork for binary logic used in digital circuits and computing.

Mid-1800s

Herman Hollerith

Invented the punch card-based tabulating machine, significantly advancing data processing. His work laid the foundation for IBM.

Late 1800s

Alan Turing

Introduced the concept of the Turing Machine, a theoretical model of computation. Played a pivotal role in breaking German codes during World War II.

1930s-1940s

John von Neumann

Contributed to the design of stored-program computers (Von Neumann architecture) and made significant contributions to game theory and mathematics.

1940s

John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry

Developed the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), the first electronic digital computer, using binary arithmetic and electronic components.

Late 1930s-1940s

Howard Aiken

Designed the Harvard Mark I, an early electromechanical computer used for scientific calculations.

1940s

Grace Hopper

Pioneered the development of compilers and popularized the concept of machine-independent programming languages.

1950s-1960s

J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly

Created ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), one of the first general-purpose electronic computers. They also developed UNIVAC I, the first commercial computer.

1940s-1950s

William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain

Invented the transistor, a key component in the miniaturization and advancement of electronics.

1947

Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson

Developed the UNIX operating system and the C programming language, both of which had a profound impact on software development and operating systems.

1970s

Ted Hoff, Federico Faggin, and Stanley Mazor

Developed the first microprocessor (Intel 4004), enabling the rise of personal computers and compact computing devices.

1971

Tim Berners-Lee

Invented the World Wide Web, creating the foundation for modern internet communication and information sharing.

Late 1980s