A Journey Through the Evolution of Programming Languages: From Fortran to Ruby and Beyond
As a seasoned developer, I've had the privilege of working with numerous programming languages over the years. My journey began with Fortran, a language that has significantly influenced how I approach programming today. When I delved into the realm of programming in the early 1960s, Fortran 1969 served as my first language and a gateway to assembly languages like Assembly, RPG/II, and PL/1. This article takes you through my journey from Fortran to Ruby, highlighting the various languages that have shaped my career.
Initial Exposure: Fortran and Assembly
Fortran 1969 was my first language, a language that I still use to this day. It is my gateway to learning assembly languages. Through Fortran, I became familiar with the Fortran libraries and the internal workings of a computer. By reading the listing files from the computer, I gained insight into assembly languages such as Assembly, RPG/II, and PL/1.
The IBM 360 series and the PDP-8 were some of the early platforms I worked with. Fortran also laid the foundation for learning C and other modern programming languages. The transition from Fortran to these languages was a natural progression, as Fortran provided a basic understanding of structured programming.
COBOL: A Nostalgic Experience
COBOL 1970 was another significant language in my professional journey. In 1967, COBOL was introduced as a course offered by IBM. The lessons were sent via snail mail and returned with detailed comments. Each turn-around time took approximately 8 to 10 days. Although COBOL is considered outdated in modern computing, I still know my way around it. COBOL has not been extinct, as some legacy systems still rely on it for core business operations.
The Evolution: ALGOL, Pascal, and Beyond
After Fortran, I explored other languages such as ALGOL and Pascal. ALGOL is unique in its syntax and mathematical notation, making it a critical language for mathematical and scientific computation. Pascal, on the other hand, is a general-purpose language known for its simplicity and efficiency. I experimented with different versions of ALGOL and Pascal over the years, and they each served specific purposes in different contexts.
Desktop Development: Apple II BASIC
My first programming experience with a personal computer came in the late 1980s with Apple II Basic. This language provided a gentle introduction to programming, albeit somewhat limited in functionality. Despite the lack of graphical capabilities, it was still possible to call machine code. This was the era of PC dinosaurs, and I was captivated by the challenge of creating graphical features by writing machine code. This experience was instrumental in shaping my passion for programming and eventually leading me to become a coder and the owner of a small software business.
Assembly Language Adventures
My adventures with assembly languages began with the PDP8 assembly. Subsequently, I delved into 8080 and Z80 assembly. The 6502 assembly followed, and I also played with the 6800 series. These experiences provided a deep understanding of low-level programming and hardware interactions, which was invaluable in my development journey.
Modern Developments: Ruby and S-BASIC
The last language that gained importance in my development journey was Ruby. Ruby offers powerful scripting capabilities and a clean syntax, making it a preferred choice for many developers today. Unlike the older languages, Ruby is more approachable and accessible, making it easier to learn and use.
From S-BASIC to the present, my journey through the evolution of programming languages has been a continuous learning process. Each language has its unique strengths and purpose, and the choice of language often depends on the specific requirements of the project or the ecosystem of the employer.
Conclusion
My journey through various programming languages has been a rich and rewarding experience. From Fortran to Ruby, each language has played a significant role in shaping my career. Although some of these languages may seem outdated in today's fast-paced technological landscape, they continue to hold a special place in my heart and have laid the foundation for my ongoing passion for programming.