My Journey in Programming: A Blast from the Past

(This is my very first article, and if someone reads it and likes it, I will add links where appropriate and images.)

Back in the 1980s, I embarked on my programming journey, diving into a world that was vastly different from what we know today. As a young enthusiast, I had to first master the art of typing (on a manual typewriter!) before delving into the realm of computers. My parents supported my passion and bought me an Amstrad, which happened to be a competitor to the renowned Commodore 64.

Unlike today's seamless sharing of digital games, back then, exchanging games with friends was not as straightforward. Games were stored on tapes, and loading one meant patiently waiting for approximately 20 minutes, hoping that the process would go smoothly. It was a test of patience, but the excitement of playing those games made it all worthwhile.

To expand my programming skills, I sought guidance from various sources, including magazines that contained code snippets for me to learn from. Although the specific magazines I initially bought escape my memory, I distinctly recall meticulously copying lines of code to grasp the fundamentals of BASIC programming.

As my dedication to programming grew, I eventually acquired an Amstrad PPC640 portable, weighing in at over 5kg...

Referring to it as a laptop would be a stretch, considering its weight and size, it served as my trusty companion. One minor annoyance was its use of 3" disks, which seemed to be on their own trajectory, akin to the fate of Betamax tapes. Nevertheless, the portable computer used CP/M and, if I remember correctly, even handled DOS. It was during this period, while pursuing an Associate Diploma in Business Computing at TAFE, that I honed my skills in writing programs using Turbo Pascal and Turbo C. It was a thrilling time, particularly with the presence of Dr. Dobbs Journal, a notable publication in the field. Among the authors featured in the journal, Al Stevens stood out as my favorite, offering invaluable insights into C programming and assembly language. It was through his writings that I started to delve deeper into the intricacies of serial programming, pointers, and such.

Armed with my newfound knowledge, I completed my Associate Diploma with good grades, paving the way for me to pursue a Computer Science degree at QUT. During my studies, I continued to expand my programming repertoire. Still, at TAFE, I would also learn COBOL (on the now deceased VAX system), broadening my skill set and understanding of different programming languages. After TAFE and when I left home to go to Uni I would learn several other languages I would never see again. (Last interesting (?) point to note is that during the time I was at TAFE I did work experience at CSIRO for a couple of weeks, and there, came into contact with 8" disks.)

Reflecting on my journey from the 1980s, I can't help but marvel at how much the world of programming has evolved. The advancements in technology and the accessibility of resources have transformed programming into a more streamlined and collaborative process. However, I cherish those early days when programming required patience, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. Those humble beginnings shaped my passion for the field and laid the foundation for my continued growth as a programmer.

As I reminisce, I am grateful for the opportunities I had and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. Programming has come a long way since then... for better and for worse.