Who is credited with inventing the diesel engine?

Rudolf Diesel is credited with inventing the diesel engine, a significant advancement in internal combustion engine technology. He designed the engine in the late 19th century, with his first successful prototype invented in 1893. Diesel's design aimed to improve fuel efficiency and performance compared to existing engines at the time, particularly steam engines. His engine operated on a principle known as compression ignition, where air is compressed to a point where it ignites the injected fuel without the need for a spark plug. This innovation led to the widespread use of diesel engines in various applications, including transportation, agriculture, and industry, due to their efficiency and ability to run on a variety of fuels. Diesel's work laid the foundation for modern diesel engines, making him a pivotal figure in automotive engineering.