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Programmers who taught themselves, how did you go about it?

What language did you start with? What sites/tools did you use? How long did it take for you to get a good grasp on the content?

8 years ago by pseudopsynic with 11 comments

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  • kxh
    +5

    Fortran IV, there were no sites, or internet. Tools? A hollerith punch card machine was the go.

    • AdelleChattre
      +3

      /thread

      • Appaloosa
        +4

        Fortran then COBAL...but I never coded. I watched the self learners on Atari's in the early 80's! That was magic to us!

        • AdelleChattre
          +6

          Just when you think you learned in a prehistoric era of stone knives and bearskins, someone like /u/kxh comes along and describes using computer punch cards made to be the same size as Confederate money for practicality’s sake.

          • kxh
            +5

            I never knew that. Of course I grew up in Australia. I do remember reading much later about Hollerith machines were used by the Nazis during WWII or something. Or maybe it was IBM. I'm a bit vague on the details.

            • Appaloosa
              +4

              The wonderful thing about being at this site, exploration. Every time you think you know something, wow, something else. Wonderful!

          • Appaloosa
            +5

            You just made me laugh...obtuse as ever!

            • AdelleChattre
              +3

              In my grandparents' day, you could learn everything there was to know about computers in about an hour. In my parents' day, you could learn everything there was to know about computers in a year. I'll never turn everything there is to know about computers, but I do remember the reason Hollerith cards were made to be that particular size.

            • Appaloosa
              +2
              @AdelleChattre -

              So your parents were Nazis...good to know.