Software Development Meme

A colleague of mine, The Todd asked me to continue a blog meme about my personal software development history.  Here are my answers!

How old were you when you first started programming?

My first programming class was my junior year of high school, which put me at age 16.  We coded in Visual Basic 5, and I hated every minute of it.  For some reason it didn't click.  Later on I found out that I could make a few bucks designing web sites, so I started learning HTML and Javascript.  It was about this time that I became very excited about the web and the potential that it had.

How did you get started in programming?

I really didn't get started into real programming until my college days.  This is when I really started to develop my passion for software development.  My C programming professor was the first teacher to really challenge me and the more that he challenged me the more excited I got.  I still glean from wisdom I collected from him when facing software design challenges today.  If it wasn't for this class, I probably wouldn't have continued in a CIS degree.

My professional programming career started with an internship at a small manufacturing shop.  This is where I found the value of software as it applies to business.  I had an awesome boss who taught me everything he knew about programming.  People like him have inspired me to share everything I know with as many people as possible so I can help others be as successful as they can be.

What was your first language?

At that manufacturing shop, everything was based on an ERP system built using Progress.  I really cut my teeth as a professional developer using Progress even though (at the time) the language had many huge limitations.  Progress is a great language for the right situation... but it is definitely that skill that I have, that I don't advertise on my resume'. 

What was the first real program you wrote?

In my C class in college we wrote Conway's Game of Life.  For a Freshman in college this was a painfully complex assignment, but it was amazingly cool and I had the biggest feeling of satisfaction after completing it.

What languages have you used since you started programming?

C
C++
C#
Java
HTML/Javascript
VBScript
Visual Basic 5/6
Visual Basic .Net
ASP.Net
PHP
SQL
Progress
COBOL

Dabbled in:
Python/Ruby/F#

If you knew then what you know now, would you have started programming?
That's an interesting question.  When I decided on DeVry for my college education, I went to my high school guidance counselor and asked him which degree required the least amount of math.  His answer was Computer Information Systems, to which I replied, "sign me up!".  That is a serious story, so I think that for the most part I got lucky and stumbled into something that grew into a passion.  I do love software development, but I'm not completely subscribed to the idea of dedicating the rest of my life to it.

If there is one thing you learned along the way that you would tell new developers, what would it be?

Find quality people and pay close attention to what they say and do.  Out of that crowd, select one or two of them and make them your mentor. 

What's the most fun you've ever had ... programming?

I worked for a small manufacturer on and off for about 2 years developing a Communication Management Software application for them.  I enjoyed every last minute of it. 

On the spectrum of introvert <--> extrovert I probably lean more introverted, but I'm always inspired and energized by others around me.  I'm always having the most fun when I'm closely connected to a team of like minded people working together to achieve something great.

Next up:
Pete Gordon
Kris Scott
Greg Bahrey
Paul Montgomery
Alexei Govorine