Five interesting facts about programming: what is useful to know

SSPDaily has revealed 5 interesting facts about programming. Find out how complex mathematical problems were solved before the advent of electronic computers.

Pre-computer computing

Long before the invention of computers, inventors were looking for new ways to solve complex mathematical problems. To facilitate calculations, they used such devices as the abacus, xuanpan (a Chinese version of the abacus), and wooden counters. In 1642, Blaise Pascal introduced the Pascaline, a remarkable computing machine capable of adding and subtracting four-digit numbers.

This allowed for the creation of even more sophisticated devices, such as Leibniz's calculus and Babbage's difference machine, which performed complex calculations such as division and multiplication. A notable invention was the arithmometer developed by Paphnutii Chebyshev, which could automatically perform all four arithmetic operations.

Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852), an English countess, daughter of the poet George Byron, became a pioneer in the world of programming. Showing an interest in mathematics and natural sciences from an early age, she went on to make outstanding discoveries. She translated and added her insightful comments to an article about Charles Babbage's analytical machine, one of the first computing devices.

Lovelace even predicted that analytical machines would be able to create algebraic formulas and compose music. Today, she is known as the first female programmer.

Python and comedy series

In the late 1980s, Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum developed Python as a scripting language for the Amoeba microkernel distributed operating system. He based it on the ABC programming language. Interestingly, the name "Python" was inspired by Rossum's favorite comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus.

"Bug" in programming

The term "bug", which means an error in programs, computer games, etc., appeared a long time ago. Thomas Edison, a famous American inventor, used the term in the late nineteenth century when he was talking about problems found in a new phonograph. It is believed that Edison referred to the rustling sound that occurs after turning on the phonograph as a "bug," and thus the term became synonymous with technical problems.

Night owls and programming

Many programmers claim that working at night gives the best results. Silence and the absence of distractions allow for deep focus and concentration.

In addition, the drowsiness that often accompanies night work increases productivity, as programmers are less likely to be tempted to be distracted by social media. The bright light of a computer monitor also helps to keep them awake, allowing them to dive into their work.