4 ms·

But it really isn't - not for a kid without any knowledge of programming. When I was a kid (1984) - it was "plug the computer into the TV, turn it on, start co

by cr0sh 8y ago

But it really isn't - not for a kid without any knowledge of programming. When I was a kid (1984) - it was "plug the computer into the TV, turn it on, start coding (in BASIC)" Today - a kid would have to first: 1. Start up computer, wait for it to boot (or tablet, whatever) 2. Log in (maybe) 3. Start up browser. 4. ??? That's where they would be - they'd have no concept of "dev tools" or what it is for. Long before then, they'd be sucked into some other time waster most likely. It would take an adult to show them what and where dev tools was, and then it's a long hard slog from that point. Back in 1984 - it really was much simpler. Ok - well, from zero you'd have to read the manual that came with the computer, but most of the manuals jumped right into coding in BASIC, and could get you going quickly. Then there was the plethora of computer programming magazines that you could purchase: https://archive.org/details/computermagazines https://archive.org/details/computermagazines ...and today, most of them available; oh if we only had that resource back then! But we did have a lot - plus books, BBS's (for the lucky with a modem and phone), user groups... Today, it is nowhere near as easy to start out - not for someone with -zero- knowledge. However, if they can get over that hump - then a grand world can open for them, with the right mentoring...

hutzlibu 8y ago
Seriously? If you say the main problem for kids is to use a browser on a computer in the first place, than I really doubt those kids could just start coding in basic on a computer in 1984. And since most do use chrome, or are able to download it - and are also able to press F12 (most kids I told this, could) ... they could immediately start digging into the code of any website. Just changing colors of elements, rearranging ... and then finding out how to do the same with code. Also, there is Scratch, Lego Mindstorms, etc. etc. the barriers have never been lower. The only problem might be, that it is too much choice and easy to get lost and loose interest, but any dedicated kid can jump into it.
- pvg 8y ago
  The difference is, there just wasn't much the computer could do. Programming it was one of its main purposes. A modern computer is an actually-useful-in-everyday-life item.
- spc476 8y ago
  When I got my first computer in 1984, I hooked it up to the TV, turned it on, and was dumped immediately into BASIC. The computer also came with a thick manual that not only described how to set up the computer, but how to program in BASIC, with lots of examples. Today? You may get a manual describing the computer, but that's it---how to set it up and turn it on (if that). The software comes preinstalled and if you want manuals, it's off to the Internet (either Google or Amazon). I've been using Firefox since the days of Mozilla, and I didn't even know about F12 (then again, I haven't done any serious web development since 1999 so perhaps it's not surprising).

by cr0sh 8y ago

hutzlibu 8y ago

Seriously? If you say the main problem for kids is to use a browser on a computer in the first place, than I really doubt those kids could just start coding in basic on a computer in 1984. And since most do use chrome, or are able to download it - and are also able to press F12 (most kids I told this, could) ... they could immediately start digging into the code of any website. Just changing colors of elements, rearranging ... and then finding out how to do the same with code. Also, there is Scratch, Lego Mindstorms, etc. etc. the barriers have never been lower. The only problem might be, that it is too much choice and easy to get lost and loose interest, but any dedicated kid can jump into it.

pvg 8y ago
The difference is, there just wasn't much the computer could do. Programming it was one of its main purposes. A modern computer is an actually-useful-in-everyday-life item.
spc476 8y ago
When I got my first computer in 1984, I hooked it up to the TV, turned it on, and was dumped immediately into BASIC. The computer also came with a thick manual that not only described how to set up the computer, but how to program in BASIC, with lots of examples. Today? You may get a manual describing the computer, but that's it---how to set it up and turn it on (if that). The software comes preinstalled and if you want manuals, it's off to the Internet (either Google or Amazon). I've been using Firefox since the days of Mozilla, and I didn't even know about F12 (then again, I haven't done any serious web development since 1999 so perhaps it's not surprising).