Over 150 years after the death of Ada Lovelace, a widely-used scientific computer program was named “Ada”. Lovelace, considered the first programmer in history, wrote extensive notes about the machine, including an algorithm to compute a long sequence of Bernoulli numbers, which some observers now consider to be the world’s first computer program. Despite opposition that the principles of science were “beyond the strength of a woman’s physical power of application.”

Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (1815-1852) was an English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage‘s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognize that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation.

A few years ago, Ada 95 became the first standardized Object‑Oriented Language, upward compatible and thus a strong foundation for building a secure future (currently Ada 2012). Ada is widely used in critical systems such as avionics, railways, banking, military, and healthcare, and it is an excellent teaching language for both introductory and advanced computer science courses.

Ada’s Algorithm : How Lord Byron’s Daughter Ada Lovelace Launched the Digital Age. James Essinger. Brooklyn, New York: Melville House, 2015.