A hybrid computer is a type of computer that combines the functionalities of both digital and analog computers. The digital component of the hybrid computer serves as the controller and provides logical and numerical operations, while the analog component often serves as a front-end for the digital component, processing differential equations. Hybrid computers can be used to obtain a relatively imprecise but good seed value using an analog computer front-end, which is then fed into a digital computer iterative process to achieve the final desired degree of precision.

There are three types of hybrid computers:

• Large electronic hybrid computer: These computers were designed to solve complex differential equations and consist of a number of operational amplifiers.
• General-purpose hybrid computer: These computers can employ many applications and solve many issues. They are used for computing numerical results quickly with high precision.
• Special-purpose hybrid computer: These computers are used in places that require extreme supervision, such as hospitals, fire stations, and forensic labs. They are less susceptible to reprogramming and serve as a controller or analyzer.

Hybrid computers are distinct from hybrid systems, which may be no more than a digital computer equipped with an analog-to-digital converter at the input and/or a digital-to-analog converter at the output.