I know you’re asking – who is Ada Lovelace and why should I care? Let me tell you. You see this computer or handheld device on which you’re reading this post? It was made possible thanks to Ava. She is considered to be the first programmer. She came up with the concept of software and programs, before the computer was even invented. No joke!
Here’s what Wikipedia says:
She is mainly known for having written a description of Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the analytical engine. She is today appreciated as the “first programmer” since she was writing programs—that is, manipulating symbols according to rules—for a machine that Babbage had not yet built. She also foresaw the capability of computers to go beyond mere calculating or number-crunching while others, including Babbage himself, focused only on these capabilities.
Now – how many women in the science and technology field can you name? I could only come up with a short list. The crazy thing is that we are in the age of smart phones, computers, game systems and all kinds of programmable electronic devices. Women are out there putting this technology in our hands, so let’s get busy celebrating their accomplishments.
I made a pledge to do this for Ada Lovelace Day but rather than this post being about what I think, I’d like to turn it over to you and see what women you want to honor for their contributions to science and technology. Let’s hear it…they can be from the past or present, young or old. Who are they and how have they impacted our lives?
