A differential analyzer is a type of analog computer designed to solve differential equations. It uses mechanical or electrical components to simulate the behavior of dynamic systems, making it useful in fields like engineering and physics. By integrating functions, it can model complex systems and predict their behavior over time. These devices were first developed in the 1930s and became important tools for scientists and engineers. The most famous example is the Vannevar Bush differential analyzer, which helped advance wartime research. Although largely replaced by digital computers today, differential analyzers laid the groundwork for modern computational methods.