Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace is widely regarded as the world's first computer programmer, making her a pioneering figure in the history of computer science. Born Augusta Ada Byron on December 10, 1815, she was the only legitimate child of the famous poet Lord Byron and his wife Anne Isabella Milbanke. Despite her parents' tumultuous relationship, Ada's mother ensured that she received an excellent education, focusing on mathematics and science to counterbalance her father's supposed influence on her. Ada's work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine, is particularly notable. She is often credited with recognizing the machine's capabilities beyond mere calculation, envisioning its potential to go beyond mere computation and manipulate symbols. Her notes on the engine's capabilities, particularly her famous "Note G" on the Analytical Engine, demonstrate her understanding of the machine's potential to perform any task that could be expressed in a series of steps. Her work on the Analytical Engine not only showcased her technical prowess but also her vision for the potential of computers to transform society.