The invention credited to Thomas Edison is the practical electric light bulb. While Edison did not invent the light bulb itself, he significantly improved its design and functionality, creating a commercially viable version in 1879. His development involved using a carbon filament that lasted longer than previous models, allowing for widespread adoption of electric lighting in homes and businesses. This innovation revolutionized the way people lived and worked, extending productive hours beyond daylight. Edison’s work laid the foundation for the electrical industry and numerous subsequent inventions, making him one of history’s most influential inventors.