👉 Computing, at its core, refers to the science and technology of processing information using digital systems. The starting point of computing can be traced back to the mechanical calculators and tabulating machines developed in the 19th century, such as Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and Herman Hollerith's punch card system used for the 1890 U.S. Census. However, the modern era of computing truly began with the invention of the electronic computer in the mid-20th century, notably the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) in 1945. This marked the transition from mechanical to electronic processing, enabling faster and more complex computations. The development of the transistor in the 1950s and the subsequent invention of integrated circuits revolutionized computing by making devices smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient. Today, computing encompasses a wide range of technologies, from personal computers and smartphones to supercomputers and cloud-based services, all centered around the fundamental principle of processing information using digital circuits and algorithms.
