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Programming is an art form that captivates and inspires individuals from all walks of life. For Brendan Eich and Fridman, their love affair with programming began in their youth, as they stumbled upon the magic of creating something out of lines of code.
Contents
Falling in Love with Programming
In their early days, Eich and Fridman witnessed the power of programming through their encounters with computers like the Commodore PET. Inspired by their shared love for Star Wars, they embarked on a project to recreate the Death Star trench run using BASIC programming language. Although initially unsure of what they were doing, their enthusiasm and collaboration laid the foundation for their future in programming.
During this time, Eich nurtured his passion for mathematics and science, particularly through his fascination with HP calculators. These calculators, known for their robustness and advanced scientific functions, fueled Eich’s interest in the world of technology.
Unraveling the Programming Languages
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As their journey continued, Eich and Fridman explored various programming languages that shaped their understanding of the digital realm. They escaped the realm of FORTRAN and delved into Pascal, an Algol-based language known for its wordy procedures and functions. Pascal offered a clear distinction between functions and procedures, influencing the development of other languages like Ada.
Their interest in programming expanded beyond Pascal, leading them to explore languages like C and UNIX. The versatility of UNIX, coupled with the growing popularity of C, fascinated Eich and Fridman. It was during this period that they witnessed the rise of Unix on various hardware platforms, making them eager to contribute to the expanding technology landscape.
The Legacy and Blazing a Trail
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Borland’s Turbo Pascal breathed new life into the language, propelling it to new heights of success. This achievement laid the foundation for Anders Hejlsberg, who later contributed immensely to the development of C# and TypeScript at Microsoft.
Eich and Fridman found themselves drawn to the allure of C and the potential it held. They envisioned a grand project, aiming to port Unix to their own custom-built computer. However, their choice of the National Semiconductor NS16032 processor proved to be a stumbling block. Despite their efforts, the bugs and complexity of the chip prevented their ambitious dream from becoming a reality.
These experiences shaped their career paths, with Eich transitioning from physics to mathematics and computer science. Recognizing the technology boom happening in the Silicon Valley, Eich saw the future lying in the realm of computers, such as the Apple II and the Intel-based PCs.
FAQs
Q: What programming languages influenced Eich and Fridman’s journey?
A: Pascal, C, and UNIX played pivotal roles in shaping Eich and Fridman’s understanding of programming and technology.
Q: What impact did Turbo Pascal have on the programming community?
A: Turbo Pascal revolutionized the way developers wrote code, making Pascal accessible and popular among programmers.
Q: Why didn’t Eich and Fridman succeed in porting Unix to their custom-built computer?
A: Despite their efforts, the bugs and complexity of the National Semiconductor NS16032 processor hindered their progress.
Conclusion
Eich and Fridman’s journey through the early programming languages laid the foundation for their careers in the ever-evolving world of technology. Their experiences with Pascal, C, and UNIX shaped their understanding of programming, igniting a passion that would drive them to make significant contributions to the field. To explore more about the fascinating intersections between technology and programming, visit Techal, where you’ll find informative content and comprehensive guides to empower your technological endeavors.
