Which invention occurred first in the order of technological development?

The sequence of technological development in this context begins with the calculator, which was one of the earliest devices designed to perform mathematical operations. Mechanical calculators appeared in the 17th century, while electronic calculators began to emerge in the mid-20th century.

Following the calculator, the digital computer was developed. Digital computers became prominent in the 1940s, marking a significant advancement in technology. They were designed to process data and perform complex calculations far more efficiently than earlier devices, including calculators.

Lastly, the spreadsheet software emerged, revolutionizing data organization and computational tasks in the 1970s and 1980s. This software allowed users to manipulate and analyze data in a grid format, making tasks involving calculations much easier and more accessible.

Understanding this sequence helps to clarify how these technologies built upon one another, with the calculator setting the groundwork for the eventual development of digital computers, which in turn paved the way for spreadsheet applications.