Which generation of computers utilized integrated circuits?

The third generation of computers is characterized by the use of integrated circuits (ICs), which marked a significant technological advancement over the previous generations. Integrated circuits are miniaturized electronic circuits that combine multiple components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, onto a single chip. This innovation allowed for smaller, faster, and more efficient computers compared to the bulky vacuum tubes and discrete transistors used in the first and second generations.

During this era, the performance and reliability of computers improved dramatically, and new programming languages emerged alongside enhanced operating systems, paving the way for more complex applications. The ability to process information more rapidly and store it more compactly also fostered the growth of personal computing, setting the stage for the further advancements that would come in subsequent generations. The shift to integrated circuitry was a defining moment in the evolution of computing technology, and it represents the hallmark of the third generation of computers.