In a world where “computers” are big abacuses, Augusta Ada Byron King, Countess of Lovelace, was able to think of other possible uses for these fantastic machines.
Working with great names in mathematics in the 19th century, Ada was undoubtedly a woman who eschewed educational conventions and dared to think of something “extra” when faced with a seemingly simple task.
However, his ideas were not put to the test and were “forgotten” as soon as they were published. His contributions to this field came to the fore only 100 years later, thanks to another great name in the computer world, Alan Turing.
Learn a little more Ada Lovelace about her life and contributions to modern computers.
The Brief Life of Ada Lovelace
Augusta Ada Byron was born in London in 1815. She is the daughter of the famous writer and poet Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) and Anne Isabella Milbanke. Considered the only legitimate daughter of the poet, she had no relationship with her father, who left his wife two months after Ada’s birth.
The girl’s upbringing was not in line with the educational traditions for women at that time. Her mother, considered a self-taught mathematician and educational reformer, was concerned that Ada would not follow the same paths as her bohemian father. Thus, he encouraged the girl to pursue a scientific education focused more on mathematics.
And although Ada inherited some of the poetic traits in her work from her father, she succeeded in her mother’s endeavor. A fact that may have contributed to later thinking.

During his academic journey he met Charles Babbage in mid-1833. here he discovered the mathematician and inventor’s work on machines that could calculate polynomial equations.
In 1835, Ada married William King, with whom she had three children. The “name” we use when referring to Lovelace derives from her husband’s appointment as Earl of Lovelace in 1838.
The Countess of Lovelace died young at the age of 36 due to cervical cancer. But although his life was short, his contribution to what we know today as the modern computer is capable of making it eternal.
A scheduled meeting
The meeting between the future Countess of Lovelace and Charles Babbage was not accidental. Ada’s mother made a point of introducing her daughter to as many thinkers as possible who could guide her on a scientific path.
Charles Babbage was a professor of mathematics at Cambridge and attracted Lovelace’s attention with his invention. In 1822 Babbage invented a machine. He called it the Difference Engine, which could calculate polynomial expressions and large numbers..
The inventor’s goal was to develop machines that could produce more accurate results, reducing the possibility of human error when calculating large equations. Did you thank Babbage for the calculator today? But what if the machine goes even further? Young Byron continued to contribute to Babbage’s research and development plans. As a result, a new machine was designed.

The Analytical Engine would have more complex functions and be able to look beyond numbers and perform calculations. This would be the first concept of the computer as we know it today; therefore Babbage is considered the “father of computers”..
However, Babbage’s dream could not be realized. We are talking about the mid-1840s; Here the technology obviously could not provide all the necessary elements for the construction of the equipment.
In a world still without telephones, although Graham Bell figured this out shortly after, in 1847, and without Google Translate, the way scientists communicated was by reading their publications.
Italian engineer Luigi Federico Menabrea wrote an article about Babbage’s discoveries and plans for the Analytical Engine. However, this work was written in French and Charles gave Ada the task of translating it.

Focusing on the translation task, Ada Lovelace commented on the publication, pointing out interesting points and thoughts about Menabrea’s work. Based on what he could observe, he wrote the note that immortalized him as the first programmer: Ada wrote an algorithm.
Algorithms are like detailed steps on how to solve something. It is a perfectly defined, finite and repeatable logical sequence. Ada’s algorithm defined the steps to calculate the Bernoulli sequence, considering future programming of the Babbage Analytical Engine. However, Ada Lovelace thought that the machine could calculate not only numbers but also other elements that had more general uses.

In the history of science, mythtellers can show that ideas appear only in moments of enlightenment. However, as we have said from the beginning of the text, From an early age, Ada Lovelace was taught by great thinkers and, in a sense, trained in logical thinking..
This makes her “Eureka moment” a little less romantic, but completely realistic as to why she can be considered an incredible woman; It’s a great addition to the opportunity you have today as you read this article with a piece of equipment you’ve been dreaming of. a long time ago, centuries ago.
Computer life and work
It took Ada Lovelace a century to rise to prominence. While developing his machine, Alan Turing used the logic work suggested by the mathematical countess as a reference.

Since then, Ada’s fame and recognition have reached new heights, and her name has become associated with the ability of women in science to change the course of history.
Awards and a commemoration day held on the second Tuesday of October are named after her, in recognition of women’s participation in engineering, mathematics and other science fields. Ada is undoubtedly one of those amazing women who inspires others to follow the same path. Who knows, you could be the next female representative in science?
And if you want to know where this whole story culminates, beyond having it clearly in your hand and in front of your eyes, learn the main programming languages and remember Ada until next time!
Source: Tec Mundo

I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.