Ada Lovelace (1815–1852)
The first computer programmer
Ada Lovelace, the daughter to Lord Byron and Lady Byron, became an associate of British inventor and mathematician, Charles Babbage. Ada helped to create a program for Babbage’s first prototype digital computer.1,2
Babbage’s machine, the Analytical Engine, is considered to be the world’s first digital computer, consisting of all the essential features found in modern PCs.1 Lovelace’s work on this machine led her to become known as the first computer programmer.1 The second Tuesday of October is marked by Ada Lovelace Day, celebrating the contributions women have made to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.1
