The evolution of computer programming has been amazing. Reflecting on my time as a computer programmer in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was a challenging era for programmers. Writing a program, especially in COBOL, required meticulous effort. We used coding sheets, and each 80-column line had to be precisely typed onto a punch card. This deck of cards, representing a program, was then fed into the computer by a reader in the computer room. We received a printed listing showing the program’s compilation results and any errors. Of course this was all for batch processing systems. So, it was necessary to create flowcharts for both the application and its integration into the overall process flow.
When I embarked on my computer programming journey, I transitioned from the IBM System/360 to the IBM System/370 mainframe.
This upgrade brought numerous new features, including the ability to input programs via the IBM 3270 terminal. The System/370 initially had a 24-bit physical address space, limiting its memory to 16 MB. Its page table entries boasted a 12-bit page frame address for 4 KB pages. This was a critical consideration as we ventured into the early stages of online program processing. Consequently, the concept of swapping or sharing memory became an essential factor in application development.
With the ongoing advancement of technology, the programming world evolved significantly. The advent of personal computers introduced unprecedented convenience and efficiency for programmers. No longer reliant on punch cards or mainframe terminals, we could now write code directly on our desktops. This shift paved the way for client-server architecture and the development of CICS (Customer Information Control System) online applications.
The internet’s advent in the 1990s marked a transformative era in programming, with web development as a new frontier.
Languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript became essential tools for crafting globally accessible websites and applications. This evolution unlocked numerous opportunities for programmers and spurred further technological advancements. The transition from client-heavy applications to more distributed systems facilitated the creation of truly distributed applications, enhancing efficiency and performance. It significantly improved the end-user experience, enhancing creativity and user-friendliness in Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs).
I vividly recall participating in another computer upgrade from the System/370 to System/390.
Walking through the data center in the early ’90s, I was struck by the room’s vastness and the many devices essential for computing. Tape drives, DASD (Direct Access Storage Device) devices, network controllers, control panels, and countless printers filled the space. It was an awe-inspiring sight, a testament to how far technology had advanced in just a few decades.
Today, the evolution of computer programming continues, with programming an essential part of daily life with everything from smartphones to cars relying on complex software systems. The tools and technologies for programmers have evolved greatly, making writing code faster and more efficient than ever. However, the core principles of programming remain the same – attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a never-ending thirst for learning.
Reflecting on my programming days, I’m amazed at how far technology has come and how it continually improves our world.
It is truly an exciting time to be a programmer, with endless possibilities for innovation and growth. While methods have evolved from punch cards to keyboards and coding sheets to IDEs, the passion for creating impactful innovations remains constant in every programmer’s journey.
Here’s to the evolution of computer programming—a field that continually shapes our world in unimaginable ways. Let’s embrace new technologies and push boundaries, striving for progress and innovation in this ever-changing landscape. Advancements in technology will offer more opportunities for programmers to create and innovate, making it an exciting time to be in this field. Looking to the future, who knows what amazing advancements await us? One thing is certain – programmers will be at the forefront, driving change and shaping our world.
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