The Evolution of Computer Coding and Software

The age of computer programming began before software existed. The first algorithm for computer code was created by Ada Lovelace when she wrote a series of notes from 1842 to 1843 for calculating Bernoulli numbers. The algorithm was intended for use with the Analytical Engine, which Charles Babbage was designing at the time. The earliest type of programming language was machine-specific, which meant that it was written to be run directly by the computer it was made for.

Over time, more programming languages developed that were designed to be readable by humans. These languages required a compiler, which converted the code into machine-specific programs. Some of the early compiled programming languages included assembly language, FORTRAN, COBOL, and C. C++ came into existence in 1985, ushering in a new age of object-oriented programming that revolutionized software development. BASIC, or Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, was one of the first forms of scripted languages that could be run by a computer without first having to compile it. This language, which first appeared in 1964, became popular in the 1970s and enabled home users to develop their own programs. Other scripted languages that appeared afterward and persist today include Perl, Javascript, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Python, and Ruby.

For more information about computer languages and their history, please see the following links:

• The Evolution of Computers and Programming: Visit the Computer Museum of Belgium to find out more about computer history.
• Historic Study Collection: On this page of the University of Twente, site visitors will find collections of old computer equipment of historic value.
• EDSAC Computer Simulator Software: The Lyons Electronic Office (LEO) computer first came into operation in 1951. This page is dedicated to the first LEO computer.
• Apple II Emulation Software: People who visit the Apple II History website will find information about Apple II resources, products, and emulation software. There are additional links to photo collections as well as blog posts.
• Resources for Making Programming Languages: Wizard Workshop and Company provides visitors with a long list of links related to computers, programming, and many other subjects. These include resources about programming languages, search engines, social networks, and many other topics.
• Game Engine Network Coding Ins and Outs: The Prog3 website features an English-language translation of an article that gives advice about network programming in video game design.
• Top Posts: Visit the HN Sentinel website to find posts on topics such as virtual reality, software vulnerabilities, depression, 3D printing, and more.
• Single Modifying DB Connection: Performance: People who are interested in databases and website design can find useful information in this article on the High Scalability website.
• BACS: Computer Information Systems: This link opens to a University of Northern Colorado page that lists computer-related classes that students can take at the campus. They range from Web design and development to forensics, programming courses, computer security, and database management.
• Web Software Developer: Students at Nicolet College can go here to find information about their Associate of Applied Science degree program for Web developers.
• Computer Information Systems Programs: The Community Colleges of Spokane website provides readers with information about software development and networking on this page.
• Game Programming: College graduates looking to pursue a graduate degree in video game programming will find useful information on this page by DePaul University. Visitors will find an overview, a list of associated faculty members, and admission requirements.
• School of Information Technology: Visit the Oklahoma State Institute of Technology website to read about their information technology degree programs.
• Computer Education Programs: Portland Community College offers students a variety of courses that fall under degree-related classes, training and certification, and non-credit courses. Students can choose to follow a degree program or take classes for fun.
• Computer Science: Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville features a page with a list of required and non-required classes that are managed by their computer science department.