Programming the ENIAC involved a complex process of manually rearranging cables and resetting switches, which initially seemed like a simple task. This perception led to the assignment of programming duties to women, who were largely discouraged from pursuing engineering roles at the time. However, these women demonstrated that programming was not just a routine task but an essential component of computer operation.

As the significance of programming became clearer, it was recognized that it held equal importance to hardware design. This shift in understanding marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of computer science, breaking down gender barriers and reshaping the field’s landscape, as highlighted in Walter Isaacson’s book, "The Innovators."