Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the light bulb, though it's important to note that he did not invent the first electric light. He improved upon existing designs and developed a practical, long-lasting incandescent light bulb in 1879. Edison's successful version utilized a carbon filament in a vacuum-sealed glass bulb, allowing it to glow brightly without burning out quickly. This innovation revolutionized indoor lighting and led to widespread adoption of electric lighting in homes and streets. Edison's work laid the foundation for modern electric lighting technology and contributed to broader advancements in electrical engineering.