Who invented the first computer?

The first computer was invented by Charles Babbage in 1838. He developed a mechanical calculator that had a simple storage mechanism and called it the Difference Engine. The device used punch cards to input instructions to the device steam engine as its source of power.

Although the device performed calculations well and even provided hard copies of its output, Charles Babbage lacked funds to develop a fully functional and complete device. He later developed another general purpose device and called it the Analytical Engine. This more advanced device had memory, flow control and an Arithmetic and Logic Unit. For his contributions to early computer science, he is often hailed as the father of computers.