The invention of the lightbulb is primarily attributed to Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman. Edison's development of the practical incandescent lightbulb in 1879 marked a significant advancement in electrical engineering and brought about a transformation in how people illuminated their environments. His version of the lightbulb was not the first, but it was the first to be commercially viable due to its longer-lasting filament and efficient design. Edison's work laid the foundation for widespread electric lighting, revolutionizing everyday life and industry. His contributions to electrical technology extend beyond the lightbulb, influencing many aspects of modern innovation.