Final answer:
Alan Turing's universal machine, known as the Turing machine, is one of the earliest examples of encoding in computing, and his work during World War II on the Bombe for deciphering the Enigma code was a significant practical application. Later, the invention of digital computers like ENIAC marked advancements in the encoding and processing of large amounts of data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Examples of Encoding in Computing
One of the earliest examples of encoding in computing is the seminal work of Alan Turing. In 1936, Turing proposed the idea of a universal machine, known as the Turing machine, which laid the groundwork for modern computing. Turing's contribution to theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence is invaluable and he is widely regarded as the father of these fields. During World War II, Turing's work extended to practical applications, where he and his team at Bletchley Park created a device, called the Bombe, which was instrumental in deciphering the Nazi Enigma code. In parallel, the need for efficient data management and processing led to the development of digital computers, such as ENIAC, capable of managing large amounts of data. These innovations were based on encoding information into binary form, a technique that has become fundamental to all digital computers.