Difference Engine

A Difference Engine is an early mechanical calculator invented by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. Its purpose was to automate the process of producing mathematical tables, which were crucial for fields like engineering and navigation. The machine used the method of finite differences to compute polynomial functions, allowing it to generate accurate results without human error. Although never completed in his lifetime, the Difference Engine represents a significant step in the development of computing technology, laying the groundwork for future computers. Its design highlights the potential for machines to perform complex calculations automatically.