INTRODUCTION
- Charles Babbage (1791–1871) was an English Mathematician, Engineer and Inventor.
- He is known as “The Father of Computer”.
- He is best known for his work in designing a “Mechanical Computer”, the “Difference Engine” and the “Analytical Engine”.
- His inventions were the basis for modern computers including the modern computer’s use of binary numbers and memory.
A WALK THROUGH HIS LIFE
- Charles Babbage was born in London, England on 26th December, 1791.
- His Father’s name is Benjamin Babbage and Mother’s name is Betsy Plumleigh Teape.
- His Father was a Banker.
- He was educated at Cambridge University and was a bright student.
- In 1814,He graduated with a Degree in Mathematics from Trinity College in Cambridge.
- He later became interested in the ability of machines to carry out Mathematical calculations and he developed a number of machines to do this.
- In 1822, He designed a mechanical calculator named as the Difference Engine, which was a mechanical calculator that could accurately carry out simple mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction.
- The Difference Engine was the first machine to be powered by steam.
- The Difference Engine was not completed due to lack of fund.
- In 1828,He became a Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge where he began studying the design of calculating machines.
- In 1834, He designed the Analytical Engine which was a more advanced mechanical computer.
- This machine was designed to carry out more complex mathematical calculations.
- It was the first machine to include the use of memory, programming and have the ability to store and execute instructions.
- The Analytical Engine used punched cards to input data and used a store program to store instructions and data.
- The Analytical Engine was much more complex than the Difference Engine and it was also not completed due to a lack of funding.
- Though the Analytical Engine are not completed his work laid the foundations for the development of digital computers and the field of computer science.
- From 1839 to 1841,He served as Professor of Mathematics in University of Cambridge,England.
- He was a prolific writer and published several books on Mathematics and Engineering.
- He also made contributions to other areas of science including Astronomy.
- He was also a noted social reformer and philosopher.
- He died on October 18, 1871 at the age of 79 in London .
- In 1979,As a honor to him ” Charles Babbage Award” hasbeen established.
- In 1981 ,”Babbage Institute at the University of Minnesota”,United States have been started as a dedication to the history of computing and the preservation of his works.
- He is still considered as one of the most influential figures in the history of computing.
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