The 1840s marked a significant period in the conceptual development of computing, although practical computersaswe know them today did not yet exist. Key events and figures from this time laid the groundwork for future advancements in computer science: 1. **Charles Babbage**: Often referred to as the "father of the computer," Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in the 1830s and continued to work on it into the 1840s.
