Who is credited with inventing the light bulb?

The credit for inventing the light bulb is primarily attributed to Thomas Edison due to his successful development and commercialization of a practical electric light source in the late 19th century. While he was not the very first to create an incandescent light bulb, Edison's design significantly improved upon earlier attempts by using a carbon filament in a vacuum bulb, making it commercially viable for widespread use. His work on the electrical system to power these light bulbs also contributed to their success.

Edison's developments marked a turning point in electrical engineering and society, as they led to the widespread adoption of electric lighting, changing the way people lived and worked. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern electrical systems and the future of lighting technology. Other figures mentioned, like Alexander Graham Bell, focused on telecommunications; Nikola Tesla was known for his work with alternating current and electromagnetic fields; and Benjamin Franklin's contributions were primarily in electricity and politics, rather than lighting technology.