My first language was BASIC. Initially on the Texas Instruments TI 99/4A, then on the Commodore 128D. I was 6-8 years old at the time :). Wrote loads of interesting stuff, worked with sprites and simple blocky graphics.

The first languages I was taught were Pascal and FORTRAN. My first real programming job was in Delphi, and from there (after a very short dip into SmallTalk) I moved onto C++ (with a small bit of Ada thrown in) where I stayed for many years before adding C# into the mix. Somewhere along the way I also learned Java, but never really got into it.

Since then I've written programs in most mainstream languages, everything from Perl and Python to Java, Javascript and F#.

The language I remember most fondly is Delphi. Easy and simple on the surface, especially the really easy way to build Windows apps, but with all the power of C++ if you dig deep enough, powerful enough that I got to know and more importantly understand, pointers in Delphi. It's no surprise to me that C# (having the same designer) borrowed so many excellent features from it. I've always considered myself really fortunate that it was Delphi and not Visual Basic that introduced me to Windows programming.

I suspect you are correct at last in part. The more pedestrian lifestyle also extends to commutes. If you don't drive everywhere in your car but instead use public transport your hands and mind are free and magazines are a great way to keep yourself occupied and learn stuff. Also includes, books, audio books, education, newspapers etc.

I did most of an Open University course while commuting to work by train, and also read my monthly Linux Format subscription. When I changed jobs and had to drive I never had time to read the magazine any more (or indeed do courses) and cancelled the subscription.

Go it. Thanks a lot John!.

Would love an invite please

martinsgill (gmail)

Apologies...

it should have been "its" in both cases.

oh the shame... :(