Thomas Edison is widely credited with inventing the lightbulb in 1879. However, it is important to note that he was not the only inventor working on the technology at the time. Other inventors, including Joseph Swan and Hiram Maxim, also made important contributions to the development of the modern lightbulb. Nevertheless, Edison's work is seen as particularly significant because his design proved to be the most practical and efficient, and it paved the way for widespread adoption of electric lighting.