The World's First Computer Programmer Was a Woman in 1843

Photo via Pexels

Back to Discoveries
Discovery

The World's First Computer Programmer Was a Woman in 1843

Curated by Surfaced EditorialΒ·Innovation

Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended for machine execution, designed for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. She also predicted that computers could go beyond pure calculation to create music and art.

Why It’s Fascinating

Lovelace envisioned general-purpose computing over a century before it existed. Her notes contain insights about artificial intelligence that remain relevant today, making her arguably the first person to see computers as more than calculators.

Enjoyed this? Get five picks like this every morning.

Free daily newsletter β€” zero spam, unsubscribe anytime.