Charles Babbage designed an Analytical Engine which was a general computer
1st Generation
This was when machine language was developed for the use of computers. They used vacuum tubes for the circuitry. For the purpose of memory, they used magnetic drums.
2nd Generation
From here they progressed from vacuum tubes to transistors. This made computers smaller, faster, and more energy efficient. And they advanced from binary to assembler languages.
3rd Generation
The hallmark of this period (1964-1971) was the development of the integrated circuit.
4th Generation
The invention of the microprocessors brought along the fourth generation of computers. This was when we started producing computers for home use.
This is the present and the future of the computer world. The defining aspect of this generation is artificial intelligence. The use of parallel processing and superconductors are making this a reality and provide a lot of scope for the future.