CompuServe Thread

Learn programming?

10 messages in this thread
#42440From: Chris GalvinAug 29, 1994 6:57 PM
Have you recently learned a programming language from scratch with the help of fellow CompuServers or other online files or resources? What inspired you to begin programming? How were the online connections helpful? Reply here or send some brief info for a CompuServe Magazine article being considered to 70003,5571. Thanks for writing! –cg
#42851From: John Toebes/SYSOPOct 1, 1994 8:18 PM
I learned C from scratch right here in AmigaTech. Several of the members (I'll let them own up to it themselves, in case they ain't so proud of their accomplishment) held my hand, examined my code, beat my heads together when I messed up, that sorta thing. I think it was (mumble mumble) who first said that he'd answer all my questions until he thought I was using him as a crutch rather than learning. He kept his word <grin>. Plus, at the time, (mumble mumble) had his C programming class going here in AmigaTech, which made me less self-conscious about pestering with questions. What inspired me to begin programming had nothing to do with learning C, tho. That happened in 1980, when I read in a science fiction magazine a debate between Barry B. Longyear and Jerry Pournelle regarding word processors VS computers for writing (I wanted to write SF, in those days). When Pournelle pointed out that he could use his 'puter for "planet generation", the lightbulb lit up, and I helped a math teacher set up a computer course for our high school. Have I yet made you sorry you asked? <grin>
#42857From: Betty Clay/SYSOPOct 2, 1994 12:20 AM
My, what a familiar name you have – but a very UNfamiliar ID#. Are you the same Jim Williams I used to know in CO every night, or a different one? —Betty
#42861From: John Toebes/SYSOPOct 2, 1994 3:00 AM
Quite a different one, Betty ma'am, I assure you. 😉 Have fun in England. I might have a pertinent geneology question for you when you get back (you *are* into that, as I recall, aren't you?). Can't seem to find Burrows in Ireland. (oops, end of thread, off topic 🙂
#42880From: Betty Clay/SYSOPOct 2, 1994 4:14 PM
Jim, I can assure you that, barring some kind of catastrophe, I will have a WONderful time in England! We have many exciting things planned to do there. Be glad to help you look for the Burrows. Sorry it isn't Barrow, since I'm already looking for them. It's really great to have you back online. I've missed you. —Betty
#42890From: John Toebes/SYSOPOct 2, 1994 6:33 PM
heheh… I'm gonna hang on to that message and remind you of it when you've had enough of me <grin>…. "…I'm obnoxious and disliked…" John Adams '1776' Eet
#42906From: Betty Clay/SYSOPOct 3, 1994 1:51 AM
You just do that! And I hope you'll be around a lot when I get back from England. You have some explaining to do, you know. —Betty
#42912From: SyndesisOct 3, 1994 8:39 AM
Eet returns? Eek! (BTW, I saw 1776 on stage on July 4, 1976. Easy to remember where I was!)
#42928From: John Toebes/SYSOPOct 3, 1994 6:59 PM
Heheh… I just go the movie a few days ago. I loved the running gag about Adams. "…I'm obnoxious and disliked…" John Adams '1776' Eet
#42917From: Brian BartlettOct 3, 1994 12:34 PM
Eet, Yea haw! Welcome back my fabulous furry alien! And don't give me that off topic/thread baloney. You've seen me in Ramblings. Since when did the topic name have anything to do with the message <g>. My week is made.