ENIAC, short for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was the first general-purpose electronic computer. Developed during World War II, it was a monumental achievement in the field of computing.
Brief History
- Development: ENIAC was developed at the University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Electrical Engineering.
- Date of Completion: It was completed in 1945.
- Purpose: Initially designed for calculating ballistics tables for the United States Army.
Key Features
- Size: ENIAC was massive, occupying 1,800 square feet and consisting of 18,000 vacuum tubes.
- Speed: It could perform calculations 500 times faster than any existing machine.
- Programmability: ENIAC was programmable, using patch cables and switches to perform different tasks.
Impact
ENIAC's development had a profound impact on the world. It paved the way for modern computing and helped in various scientific and military applications.