$ADA Ada, often referred to as Ada Lovelace, was a visionary English mathematician and writer, primarily known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She recognized the machine's potential beyond mere calculation, foreseeing its ability to perform operations on symbols and generate music or graphics.

Considered the first computer programmer, Ada wrote what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. Her detailed notes and ideas were instrumental in the early conceptualization of computers and programming.