ENIAC

Introduction

The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first general-purpose electronic computer. Conceived and designed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert of the University of Pennsylvania, ENIAC was a monumental machine that filled a 20 by 40-foot room and used some 18,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors and 10,000 capacitors.

History and Development

The development of ENIAC came about during the height of World War II, with the goal of creating a machine that could quickly and accurately calculate artillery firing tables for the U.S. Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory. The project was funded by the United States Army during World War II.

Design and Construction

The design and construction of ENIAC represented a significant step forward in computer technology. The machine was composed of individual panels, each performing a different function. These panels were interconnected by a web of cables and switches, creating a flexible architecture that allowed it to be reprogrammed to solve a complete range of computing problems.

Operation and Performance

ENIAC was capable of being reprogrammed to solve complex computing problems. This was a task that required considerable time and effort, as it involved manually resetting switches and rerouting cables. Despite these challenges, ENIAC was able to perform calculations far more quickly and accurately than human computers, the individuals who had previously been tasked with such calculations.

Legacy

ENIAC's legacy is profound. As the first general-purpose electronic computer, it paved the way for the modern computer age. Its design and construction served as the blueprint for future computer designs and its success spurred further research and development in the field of computer science.

See Also

• UNIVAC
• History of computing hardware
• List of vacuum tube computers