The early days of software development

Creating software started as the domain of a select few – mathematicians, engineers, and scientists who had access to the limited and expensive computing resources of the time. These pioneers wrote complex instructions in machine code and assembly language, requiring deep technical knowledge and specialized skills. Early computers like the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) required physical rewiring to change programs, making software development a literal hands-on process.

ENIAC computer, one of the first general-purpose electronic computers

As computing became more accessible in the 1970s and 1980s, a new generation of programmers emerged. The introduction of personal computers and more user-friendly programming languages like BASIC enabled hobbyists and enthusiasts to create software.

The internet changed the game

AI is the next step