In this episode, Kevlin Henney, an independent consultant and programming expert, shares his journey from playing with a Sinclair ZX81 to exploring advanced programming paradigms. He discusses his early days creating simulations and his academic dive into parallel computing. Henney reflects on his fascination with object-oriented programming through the lens of Java's evolution, highlighting its platform independence and unique features like inner classes. His insights also cover the influence of Communicating Sequential Processes on modern programming and the importance of bridging different coding paradigms.
The speaker reminisces about early programming experiences on the Sinclair ZX81, showcasing the evolution of computing technology over time.
A contrast is drawn between the evolution of programming languages and the impact of self-directed learning versus formal education on programming skills.
The discussion emphasizes the significance of object-oriented programming and interfaces in Java, reflecting changes in software design and development practices.
Deep dives
Early Computing Experiences
The discussion begins with personal reflections on early computer experiences, specifically the Sinclair ZX81, which had a mere 1K of memory and was primarily used for programming in BASIC. This nostalgia highlights the evolution of computing technology, with comparisons to the more popular ZX Spectrum, which offered color graphics and more memory. The speaker engaged in programming rather than gaming, exploring computational tasks and graphics with a small group of peers. These formative experiences in programming laid the groundwork for a lifelong interest in computer science.
Advancements in Calculators
A shift in focus occurs towards the evolution of calculators and their capabilities, illustrating how modern programmable calculators now run complex languages like Python. The conversation contrasts traditional calculators with smartphones, highlighting the advantages of specialized devices for specific tasks. While smartphones can handle calculations, the touch interface often hinders efficiency compared to dedicated calculators. Progress in calculator technology shows that many users still value these devices for their convenience and functionality in more complex calculations.
Learning Programming Languages
The speaker recounts the journey through various programming languages, starting from BASIC and assembler to more advanced languages like Fortran and C. This evolution reflects a growing interest in software development and different programming paradigms, particularly the challenges and learning experiences associated with each language. A notable discussion point is the contrast between learning languages via formal education versus self-directed exploration, often driven by curiosity and peer influence. These experiences illustrate how learning environments and social dynamics significantly impact one's programming education.
Object-Oriented Programming and Its Impact
The conversation delves into the impact of object-oriented programming (OOP) on software design, particularly through languages like Java. The initiation of interfaces in Java marked a significant shift, allowing for clearer separations between implementation and abstraction, akin to header files in C++. Various perspectives on interfaces reveal differing experiences and learning paths, influencing the speaker's understanding of coding principles. These explorations highlight the ongoing evolution of programming languages and their design philosophies to improve software development practices.
Consulting and Evolving Industry Practices
As the conversation progresses, the speaker shares insights from their journey as a trainer and consultant in software engineering, emphasizing the importance of a solid theoretical foundation. The transition from hands-on programming to consultancy has provided opportunities to influence industry practices and promote effective software principles. By engaging with various programming communities, the speaker acknowledges the necessity of ongoing learning in a rapidly changing field. Future topics of discussion include software quality, testing methodologies, and fostering better communication among developers, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement in the software industry.
first computer was a Sinclair ZX81 with 1K of memory,
programming in Basic and later Z80 assembly language,
creating simulations like volcano explosions and n-body problems as a teenager,
transitioning to the ZX Spectrum and other early home computers,
studying physics at university but becoming more interested in programming,
learning fortran,
getting his first programming job at a small software house in Bristol where his boss had a wall of books on programming languages and paradigms,
becoming self-taught through reading these books,
developing an interest in AI and philosophy of mind which led to pursuing a master's degree in parallel computer systems,
creating a virtual machine for a Lisp-based actor model,
learning about the occam programming language based on Communicating sequential processes (CSP) for transputers,
discovering Object-oriented programming and being fascinated by modularity and encapsulation,
encountering Java in the mid-90s as a free downloadable language with platform independence,
appreciating Java's familiar C-like syntax while offering object orientation without low-level concerns,
using Java primarily for training and consultancy work rather than application development,
discussing the evolution of Java features like inner classes (Java 1.1) and interfaces,
explaining his unique perspective on interfaces coming from distributed systems experience with IDLs,
reflecting on his work with various distributed Java technologies like RMI,
Jini and JavaSpaces,
continuing his career as an independent consultant,
trainer and speaker with strong involvement in the patterns community
