Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC)
The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) was a pioneering computer constructed in the United Kingdom at the University of Cambridge Mathematical Laboratory. It was among the first computers to be a stored-program computer, following closely in the footsteps of the Manchester Mark 1.
Origin and Development
The conception of EDSAC can be traced back to 1945. The machine was inspired by the ideas presented in John von Neumann's seminal work, the "First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC." Maurice Wilkes, a pivotal figure in computer science, spearheaded the construction of EDSAC starting in 1947. The machine became operational and ran its first program on May 6, 1949, calculating a table of square numbers and a list of prime numbers.
Design and Features
EDSAC utilized vacuum tube technology, which was typical of the era. It employed a form of memory called delay line memory, which was based on the propagation of sound waves in mercury-filled tubes. This form of memory was innovative at the time and significantly impacted the design of early computers.
The machine included a subroutine library stored on punched tape, which facilitated the development and running of programs. Programs for EDSAC comprised a main program and a series of subroutines that could be called as needed.
Influence and Legacy
EDSAC had a profound impact on the field of computing and inspired the development of subsequent computing systems. The LEO I, for instance, was a computer developed by J. Lyons & Co., inspired by the EDSAC design. EDSAC also played a significant role in the early history of video games. The game "OXO," a simulation of tic-tac-toe, was among the first video games and was written for the EDSAC by Alexander S. Douglas.
In addition to its technical achievements, EDSAC contributed to educational advancements. It was used extensively by researchers such as David Wheeler, who later became known for his work in the field, including the Burrows–Wheeler transform.
Successors
The EDSAC project led to the development of EDSAC 2, which became operational in 1958. This successor improved on its forerunner by incorporating advancements in vacuum tube technology and architectural design, further pushing the boundaries of computer science at the time.