Ada Lovelace
- Born:
- December 10, 1815, London, England
- Died:
- November 27, 1852, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Mathematician, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Daughter of Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Milbanke.
- Educated in mathematics and science from a young age, a deliberate strategy of her mother to counter Byron's perceived instability.
- Mentored by figures like Mary Somerville and Charles Babbage.
Career and Major Achievements
- Best known for her notes on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.
- Her notes included what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine; therefore, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer.
- Translated an article by Italian military engineer Luigi Menabrea about the Analytical Engine.
- Her annotations on the translated article significantly expanded upon Menabrea's work.
Notable Works
- "Notes by AA Lovelace" appended to her translation of Luigi Menabrea's article "Sketch of the Analytical Engine Invented by Charles Babbage." These notes are the primary source of her recognition as the first programmer.
Legacy and Impact
Ada Lovelace's notes on the Analytical Engine, particularly her algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers, established her as a visionary figure in the history of computing. This 'short interesting bio' highlights how she foresaw the potential of computers beyond mere calculation, envisioning their use for creative purposes.