I recall at the age of 10, I was asked my dad to install LOGO because I was facinated about the idea of instructing a computer to do something. I didn't really use it that much and I had no concept of computer programming was. By the age of 11, I discovered something at my local library, reading a book called "The Beginner's Computer Handbook - Understanding & Programming The Micro". My eyes lit up because of the fact that anyone can create a space shooter game. I was noob back then. I didn't know what a compiler/interpreter was so I thought by typing BASIC source code into notepad, rename the txt file as exe, hoping it would run. Until I found out about Qbasic(My first programming tool) was on every copy of Win95 CD.
During my middle school years, I got more interested in computers, reading fat books about programming during english class. I made a couple of prank virus programs that I installed on other people's computers. I made a friend who was also like me but he wasn't much of a programmer. I got into computer hacking afterwards when he showed me that it was possible to disable desktop restrictions on the Library's computers, free to download at T1 speeds. So I wrote a program in Qbasic to automate the exploit. I eventually de-friended him as he wasn't a good influence.
There were two other people of influence, both had their own personal websites. That got me started on webdesign, and Java applets programming.(My first java app was an online chat server).
Later on I got into game programming starting with Darkbasic, BlitzBasic and now Unity.
Now at 25, I work as a Linux Sys Admin and SaaS Backend integration. My other hobby is building electronics using PIC chips.
Kids today can have a RaspberryPi to tinker with, I happy that schools are providing them the opportunity to get interested in programming, because in my time, I didn't have that and computer classes only thought how to use Excel and typing skills.
During my middle school years, I got more interested in computers, reading fat books about programming during english class. I made a couple of prank virus programs that I installed on other people's computers. I made a friend who was also like me but he wasn't much of a programmer. I got into computer hacking afterwards when he showed me that it was possible to disable desktop restrictions on the Library's computers, free to download at T1 speeds. So I wrote a program in Qbasic to automate the exploit. I eventually de-friended him as he wasn't a good influence.
There were two other people of influence, both had their own personal websites. That got me started on webdesign, and Java applets programming.(My first java app was an online chat server).
Later on I got into game programming starting with Darkbasic, BlitzBasic and now Unity.
Now at 25, I work as a Linux Sys Admin and SaaS Backend integration. My other hobby is building electronics using PIC chips.
Kids today can have a RaspberryPi to tinker with, I happy that schools are providing them the opportunity to get interested in programming, because in my time, I didn't have that and computer classes only thought how to use Excel and typing skills.