The Pioneering Paths of Early Programmers: Pre-forum Learning and Advanced Techniques

Before the invention of online forums and communities, how did programmers learn and master advanced programming techniques? It's a testament to their ingenuity and determination that they found ways to develop their skills through various means, including classroom instruction, reading code magazines, manual guides, and experimentation.

Classroom Learning and Basic Commands

For many early programmers, such as the author, learning to code began in school with simple languages like Basic. In 1983, the author started with a Commodore Super-Pet computer and found rudimentary ways to learn. They relied on basic commands such as print, goto, end if/then, and the help command to discover more advanced functions.

As the author progressed, they got their own computer in 1984. This Vic-20 was a significant upgrade, with its manual becoming an essential resource. Additionally, magazines like Byte and Run were instrumental in their education, providing guidance and inspiration.

The Role of Manuals and Magazines

Programming manuals, such as the one that came with the Vic-20, were invaluable resources. They provided detailed instructions and examples, which the author could study and experiment with. For example, learning the intricacies of printing and conditional statements helped in creating more complex programs.

Code magazines like Byte and Run were like havens for early programmers. These magazines not only explained programming concepts but also showcased real-world applications, offering readers a step-by-step guide to implementation. The author often borrowed ideas and code snippets from these sources to enhance their own projects.

Exploring Advanced Techniques and Expertise

While the author primarily worked on rudimentary applications like word processors, databases, and video games, they found that Basic programming skills prepared them well for HTML concepts later in the decade. However, for those more serious about programming in the 1960s and 1970s, learning center and workplace resources played a crucial role.

Learning Through Courses and Books

Beyond self-taught programming, courses and books were also vital in developing advanced programming skills. For instance, the author read the classic "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie, which became a cornerstone in their understanding of the language.

The work environment also provided opportunities for learning. By attending a course to learn SAS, the author gained valuable experience, and the hands-on practice with the mainframe was instrumental in mastering the language. Sharing experiences with colleagues further enhanced the learning process.

Support and Collaboration

For more specialized skills, early programmers didn't have forums, but they did have vendor support and peers to turn to. The author once phoned Microsoft support to learn how to embed function calls in a Multiplan spreadsheet to ensure it always used the latest data for calculations. Such collaboration with experts and peers was invaluable in pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved with programming.

In conclusion, the path to becoming a programmer before the era of online forums was marked by ingenuity, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from various resources. Whether through classroom instruction, reading manuals and magazines, taking courses, or seeking support from experts, these pioneers laid the groundwork for the coding communities we have today.