See how Turing accidentally invented the computer

MacGregor Campbell, contributor

It's hard to do anything these days without a computer being involved in some way. From credit card readers to traffic signals to the phone in your pocket, computers can perform all kinds of tasks thanks to different software programs.

So how did the programmable computer come about? In this animation, we show you how Alan Turing came up with the idea while trying to solve a fundamental mathematical problem. By building his machine, he demonstrated that mathematics wasn't as perfect as many at the time believed, while also showing how powerful a computer could be.

To find out more about Turing's legacy, check out our Instant Expert guide that explains how many of his ideas influenced modern technology.

If you enjoyed this video, watch our other animated explainers to find out, for example, how the internet can read your mind, or the hidden equations that rule the world.

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