The Dedication of ENIAC: February 14, 1946

On February 14, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was formally dedicated at the University of Pennsylvania. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of computing, as ENIAC is widely regarded as the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.

Background

The development of ENIAC was initiated during World War II, driven by the need for rapid calculations to improve artillery accuracy. The project was funded by the United States Army and spearheaded by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, two pioneering engineers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering.

Key Features of ENIAC

• Size and Structure: ENIAC was an enormous machine, weighing about 30 tons and occupying roughly 1,800 square feet. It consisted of 40 panels arranged in a U-shape.
• Components: The computer used approximately 18,000 vacuum tubes, 1,500 relays, and hundreds of thousands of resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
• Speed and Capacity: ENIAC was capable of performing about 5,000 additions per second, a remarkable speed for its time. It could also handle complex calculations that would have taken human “computers” weeks to complete.
• Programming: Unlike modern computers, ENIAC was not programmed via stored instructions. Instead, it was manually reconfigured using switches and cables, a process that could take days.

The Dedication Ceremony

The dedication ceremony on February 14, 1946, was a momentous occasion attended by military officials, scientists, and the press. Demonstrations showcased ENIAC’s capabilities, highlighting its potential to revolutionize scientific and military calculations.

Historical Significance

• Advancements in Computing: ENIAC’s successful operation demonstrated the feasibility of electronic computing, paving the way for future developments in computer technology.
• Influence on Future Projects: The lessons learned from ENIAC’s design and operation informed subsequent projects, including the development of stored-program computers like EDVAC and UNIVAC.
• Legacy: ENIAC’s creation marked the beginning of the digital age, influencing fields as diverse as cryptography, weather prediction, and atomic energy research.

Aftermath

Following its dedication, ENIAC was used extensively by the U.S. Army for ballistic calculations and other scientific applications until it was decommissioned in 1955. The machine’s legacy endures as a foundational achievement in the history of computing, symbolizing the transition from mechanical to electronic computation.

In summary, the dedication of ENIAC on February 14, 1946, was a pivotal event that heralded the dawn of the computer age, setting the stage for the technological advancements that would shape the modern world.