Third-generation computer refers to machines that follow second-generation and first-generation computers. These computers are also referred to as ”third-generation machines” and ”high-performance computers”. Third-generation computers were developed in the 1950s, although their ancestor, ENIAC, was fully completed in 1953.
The term third generation came about because third generation of computer were based on machine and more advanced designs than first and second-generation computers, and they continued the trends in more advanced computing concepts started by those earlier generations. Transistors were replaced by electronic components (ICs) in third-generation computers. A truly coherent circuit (IC) contains several transistors, diodes, capacitor, and related circuitry. The IC was created by Jack Kilby.
Third Generation Computers Were Based on Machine Introduction
The third generation of computer was the first computer that was not based on vacuum tubes. The transistor, invented in 1947, became a popular replacement for vacuum tubes because it was more reliable and consumed less power. The subsequent extensive development was the integrated circuit, a silicon chip with all its components (transistors and resistors) arranged in a regular pattern. It allowed circuits to be miniaturized and put into a tiny area. By 1959, most computers used integrated circuits.
The invention of the transistor opened up new ways to design computing devices. Theoretically, any circuit could be built using transistors instead of vacuum tubes or electromechanical switches such as relays.
Third-generation language – Computer Definition.A high-level programming language, including such FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, Pascal, or C, is also referred to as a “3GL.” It is one level down from a third language and one level up from assembler (4GL).
Integrated circuits instead of individual transistors. Smaller, cheaper, more efficient, and faster than second-generation computers. High-level programming languages. Magnetic storage.
What Are the Features Of a Third-Generation Computer?
The features of a third-generation computer need to be better defined, but it is generally accepted that they are based on the machine. Machines have been around for centuries and have been a crucial part of the development of society. The first machine was invented to help farmers with harvest time in the late 1800s and was called a reaper.
It helped them get their work done faster by cutting wheat stalks down to size with large knives so they could be gathered into bundles and tied together before being stacked onto a wagon or cart. These machines used to run using steam power, but they ran using diesel or gasoline engines over time, which required less maintenance. These power sources would eventually make their way into the third-generation computer.
The Third Generation is Characterised By What Traits?
The third generation has the following characteristics:
- Electronic circuit usage
- Shorter and More Reliable than Those of Previous Generations
- Still Quite Expensive
- Lower Level Language Used Less Power, Less Heat Was Created, Less Care Was Supported
- Monitors and Keyboard (Instead of Punch Cards)
- Running Systems
Among the third generation of computers are:
The First Commercially Available Third-generation computer
In 1951, the first commercially available third-generation computer was the UNIVAC I. This computer used vacuum tubes and magnetic tape as its storage. The UNIVAC I took up roughly 1,800 square feet of space and was 18 feet tall. It could process 5,000 instructions per second.
The IBM System/360
IBM System/360: This third-generation computer was a family of related models in the 1960s and 1970s. It was designed to be compatible with different software. One machine could do the work of many older ones, plus new applications could be written for it. It is considered one of the most successful computers ever made and helped accelerate the shift from an assembly-line economy to a service-based one.

Other Notable Third-Generation Computers
The third generation of computers had a wide range of differences. The first computer considered part of the third generation was the Atlas Computer, created in 1962 by Tony Sale and Dr. Tom Kilburn at Manchester University.
This computer used a core memory storage system and built-in programming languages to manipulate data, making it much faster than previous computers. Other notable third generations of computers are the System/360 (developed by IBM), the ICL 1906A (created by International Computers Limited), and the Control Data Corporation Model 1604 (completed in 1963).
Third Generation Computers Were Based on Machine Conclusion
The third generation of computers were based on machine this new way of thinking about computing significantly impacted computer science and how we think about systems today. The device’s introduction in the third-generation computer helped engineers understand which parts of a system were more important and what they needed to focus their attention on.
It would not be until later, when programming languages like FORTRAN would be developed, that engineers could quickly write programs for these new machines. In addition, it also helped them better understand how to make things smaller so that they could fit more components inside a single system unit.
Leave a Reply