While much has been written about the 'father of computers' Charles
Babbage and Alan Turing, the pioneer of computer science, many
trailblazing female computer programmers have slipped beneath the radar.
One of these is Ada Lovelace. A Countess and daughter of the infamous
Lord Byron, Lovelace could have lived a very comfortable if unremarkable
life, but instead she became a renowned mathematician and writer. She is
chiefly known for her work with Charles Babbage, the aforementioned
'father of computers'. But it was actually Ada and not Babbage who was
the first person to recognize that the machine had applications beyond
pure calculation. She created the first algorithm intended to be carried
out by such a machine and, as a result, she is regarded as the world's
very first computer programmer. Her life is fascinating, taking in
social and educational exploits with the leading scientists and writers
of her day, including Charles Dickens. This new biography seeks to
acquaint the reader with all the various milestones of an inspiring life
and career.
Ada Lovelace is increasingly becoming recognized as a true icon for
women in technology. With girls and young women being encouraged ever
more into the fields of mathematics, technology and science (fields
previously dominated by men), women such as Ada are incredibly powerful
figureheads with influential legacies. Her story is an inspiration to
anyone seeking to break new ground in their chosen field.
