Who are credited with the invention of transistors?

The invention of transistors is credited to William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain. In 1947, these three physicists created the first practical transistor at Bell Labs. This invention fundamentally revolutionized the field of electronics and paved the way for modern computing by enabling the development of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices compared to vacuum tubes that were used previously.

Shockley, Bardeen, and Brattain's work showcased the ability to amplify electrical signals and switch them, which are essential functions in electronic devices. The transistor's impact has been profound, leading to the miniaturization of circuits and forming the backbone of all modern electronic equipment, including computers, smartphones, and numerous other technologies.

While the other names listed in the options are influential figures in technology and computing, they are associated with different advancements or inventions. For instance, Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby are known for their contributions to integrated circuits, Alan Turing and John von Neumann were pivotal in theoretical computer science and architectures, and Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs are synonymous with the personal computer revolution.