Born Augusta Ada Byron in 1815, the daughter of famed poet Lord Byron and Annabella Milbanke, Ada Lovelace was an English writer and mathematician, best remembered today as the world’s first computer programmer.
Ada Lovelace: early life & education
Educated by private tutors, Ada’s mother encouraged her further studies, primarily her interest in mathematics, and she had the opportunity to work with some of the leading scientists and mathematicians of her time, including Mary Somerville, with whom she became close friends.
Collaboration with Charles Babbage: the Analytical Engine Project
When she was 18, Ada was introduced to Charles Babbage, known today as the father of computers, and worked with him on the Analytical Engine project – his early mechanical general-purpose computer. Ada’s work on the Analytical Engine led to her writing the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine.
Visionary ideas & legacy
Lovelace’s work, while not widely recognised during her lifetime, has gained immense significance in the modern era. Ada had a particular interest in the way poetry and science could be woven together to question the world around her. Her visionary ideas about the potential of machines to manipulate symbols, not just numbers, laid the foundation for the computer programming we know today.
Legacy & commemoration
Ada Lovelace’s life was tragically cut short when she died of cancer at the age of 36 in 1852. Today, she is commemorated the world over for her pioneering contributions to the world of computing and technology. The computer language Ada, created on behalf of the United States Department of Defense, was named for her, and her contributions are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day, an international event held on the second Tuesday of October to recognise the achievements of women in STEM.
This article was originally published under the title The Enchantress of Number in Issue 35 – Embrace Your Vulnerable . You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
