The Early Stages of Programming: My First Programming Language and Experiences

Exploring the beginnings of programming languages is like retracing the footsteps of technology's evolution. In this article, we delve into the history of programming, focusing on the first language I learned and the journey that followed.

The First Programming Language: Algol

My initial exposure to programming in 1977 was through Algol, a language that captured the attention of Dr. John Peck, who was the Department Chair at the University of British Columbia until 1977. Dr. Peck's research focus on Algol significantly influenced the choice of the programming language for the course. The decision to use Algol, often seen as a higher-level language, was not an arbitrary one. It reflects broader trends in the field of programming, which at the time, sought to simplify programming for scientists and mathematicians.

Why Algol?

The selection of Algol was driven by its clear syntax and structured approach. Algol was designed to be a general-purpose language but with a particular emphasis on scientific and engineering calculations. This made it an excellent choice for the academic context, where students needed a language that was both powerful and conducive to learning.

Other Early Programming Languages

While Algol was my first, it was not my only foray into the world of programming. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to explore a variety of early programming languages that have left an indelible mark on the field. Here are a few notable languages from the early days:

FORTRAN

Formula Translation, or FORTRAN, is one of the oldest high-level programming languages. It was developed in the 1950s and was primarily designed for scientific and engineering calculations. FORTRAN was user-friendly for mathematicians and scientists, which made it a valuable tool in the era where computational power was limited. Its design allowed users to write code that closely resembled mathematical formulas, making it an intuitive choice for people with a scientific background.

LISP

LISt Processing, or LISP, was another influential language created in 1958. LISP was particularly significant in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) due to its ability to handle symbolic computation effectively. This language was instrumental in the development of AI research, as it allowed for the manipulation of data structures such as lists, which are essential for symbolic reasoning.

BASIC

BASIC was the language that was most accessible to me during my early programming days. My first introduction to programming came through a spectrum of BASIC dialects, such as BBC BASIC and Amstrad BASIC. BASIC was particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and it was the primary language for home computers. My family owned a Sinclair Spectrum, and I learned to program using the Spectrum BASIC. BASIC was the go-to language for beginners because of its simplicity and flexibility.

Personal Experiences with Home Computers

My first computer was a Sinclair Spectrum 48k, with its iconic rubber key keyboard. It was followed by the Spectrum 128k, with a built-in tape drive, and then the Spectrum 128k3, which featured a 3-inch floppy drive. These were my first three machines, and each had its unique charm. The lack of an assembler in those days meant that I had to write assembly code on paper, hand-assemble it to machine code, and then use BASIC to insert the code into programs. This process was both challenging and rewarding, as it required a deep understanding of machine-level operations.

One of the most fascinating aspects of programming on these early machines was the ability to learn from the code of others. We had to pause and snapshot programs to investigate what was happening inside them. This helped us understand the underlying memory structure and make modifications as needed. With the help of a third-party expansion module called the Multiface, we could run and debug code in a more intuitive way. The Multiface allowed us to pause programs as they ran, disassemble them, and modify the code dynamically. This was a powerful learning tool, and it made us appreciate the intricacies of computer memory and programming.

While the process was manual and often frustrating, it was also incredibly educational. It required a deep understanding of the hardware and software, which is something that many modern programming environments do not necessarily provide. The experience of coding directly on these machines helped shape my understanding of programming and laid the foundation for my future endeavors in the field.

Conclusion

The early stages of programming were characterized by simplicity and manual effort. While the languages and tools have evolved significantly, the spirit of learning and innovation remains the same. Whether you're learning your first language in the 1970s or today, the journey of programming is always a rewarding one. If you're interested in exploring more about programming languages or have any specific questions about the evolution of programming, feel free to ask!

Keywords: Algol, BASIC, Early Programming Languages