In which decade was the integrated circuit (IC) developed?

The integrated circuit (IC) was developed in the 1960s, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of electronics. The invention of the IC was a key advancement that allowed multiple electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, and resistors, to be combined onto a single chip of semiconductor material, typically silicon.

This innovation drastically reduced the size and cost of electronic devices while increasing their reliability and performance. By allowing for more compact designs, integrated circuits made it possible to create a wide array of complex devices, paving the way for the modern computing era. The first practical ICs were fabricated in 1958 and 1959 by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce, which led to broader applications and further developments throughout the 1960s. Thus, the 1960s is recognized as the foundational decade for the integrated circuit's emergence and proliferation in technology.