The Difference Engine is a mechanical calculator designed by Charles Babbage in the 19th century. It was intended to compute and print mathematical tables automatically, using the method of finite differences. This innovative machine could perform complex calculations more accurately and efficiently than manual methods. Although Babbage never completed a fully functional version, his design laid the groundwork for modern computing. The Difference Engine represents a significant step in the evolution of computing technology, influencing later inventions, including the Analytical Engine, which was a more advanced concept for a general-purpose computer.