The first electronic computer, developed in the 1940s, is known as the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). Designed primarily for military applications, it was capable of performing complex calculations at unprecedented speeds compared to its mechanical predecessors. ENIAC utilized a series of vacuum tubes for processing and could perform arithmetic operations within microseconds. Its development marked a significant milestone in computing history, demonstrating the vast potential of electronic computation and paving the way for future advancements in computer technology, ultimately leading to the modern computers we use today.