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Yes I learned how to program on paper. It was when computer access was expensive. We learned how to write code on paper and then go over each line with a table

Yes I learned how to program on paper. It was when computer access was expensive. We learned how to write code on paper and then go over each line with a table for variable values as we run over the code. I learned BASIC on punch cards using an IBM Mainframe for the junior high school math computer club, and it got changed to the math contest club after they couldn't afford computer time anymore. In modern times there are IDEs to help people, but most of my best code I used to write on paper first. Visual Studio kind of ruined that as I wrote code in their IDE and painted forms for GUI access.

chris11 11y ago
Do you still do any programming on paper? I've noticed I've occasionally felt like I've relied too much on my tools like my IDE or Resharper. I've been thinking I should get in the habit of doing some programming using just a simply text editor or pencil/paper to prevent that.
- hguant 11y ago
  If I'm doing something with threading I sketch out a framework for how things should work before writing any code. Just pseudo-code though.
- dozzie 11y ago
  If you feel that, you certainly should. Going after simpler tools may give you somewhat different experience of programming, but for pen and paper, it's totally different. It has much friction along most of the axes (you can't cut'n'paste or easily rename your variables, and it's difficult to pre-plan the length of a block of instructions), but along some, the friction is non-existent (invalid and ad-hoc created syntax, not defined functions, ellipses for obvious arguments and statements). Combine all that and your mind starts thinking in a different way, focusing on different things than it would with a computer editor. I find it very beneficial in the early stage of planning a program (or a subsystem of program).
- orionblastar 11y ago
  I have a paper notebook that I used to design data tables and pseudo code for projects I wanted to work on. I misplaced it, I would work on it from time to time while riding on a Metrolink train. It is either in my house somewhere or someone stole it.

chris11 11y ago

Do you still do any programming on paper? I've noticed I've occasionally felt like I've relied too much on my tools like my IDE or Resharper. I've been thinking I should get in the habit of doing some programming using just a simply text editor or pencil/paper to prevent that.

hguant 11y ago
If I'm doing something with threading I sketch out a framework for how things should work before writing any code. Just pseudo-code though.
dozzie 11y ago
If you feel that, you certainly should. Going after simpler tools may give you somewhat different experience of programming, but for pen and paper, it's totally different. It has much friction along most of the axes (you can't cut'n'paste or easily rename your variables, and it's difficult to pre-plan the length of a block of instructions), but along some, the friction is non-existent (invalid and ad-hoc created syntax, not defined functions, ellipses for obvious arguments and statements). Combine all that and your mind starts thinking in a different way, focusing on different things than it would with a computer editor. I find it very beneficial in the early stage of planning a program (or a subsystem of program).
orionblastar 11y ago
I have a paper notebook that I used to design data tables and pseudo code for projects I wanted to work on. I misplaced it, I would work on it from time to time while riding on a Metrolink train. It is either in my house somewhere or someone stole it.