“Old” languages are still relevant: FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal continue to play crucial roles in specific domains.
FORTRAN: Excels in scientific computing and high-performance computing.
COBOL: Remains essential in financial systems for handling large datasets and transactions.
Pascal: Influenced modern languages and continues to be used in education.
Career opportunities exist: Skilled programmers in these languages are in demand and can command competitive salaries.
Learning value: Studying these languages provides valuable insights into the history and foundations of computer science.
Evolving landscape: While newer languages are dominant, maintaining legacy systems built on older languages creates ongoing demand for programmers.
AI-generated image. “PEOPLE, PLEASE REMAIN CALM! AI CAN’T TAKE OUR JOBS IF WE LEARN HOW TO PROGRAM BETTER!”
Come one, come all! Welcome back to yet another exciting reason why you should get ahead of the AI threat. We all know AI is on the brink of taking everyone’s job. Everywhere you look you can find someone shouting out loud and not-so-proud; “THEY TOOK OUR JOBS!” Well, in today’s read (which may not help you since AI can program as well) we’re going to over the programming languages of old. Yes, that’s right, in an effort to protect our future, we first must learn about their past. What languages did they speak? Are they still being used today? Could you get a job today using these languages? Are all questions we seek to answer. Let us begin.
Are “Old” Programming Languages Still Relevant?
You might be surprised to learn that some of the oldest programming languages are still very much alive and kicking! While the tech world is constantly buzzing about the latest shiny new languages like Python and JavaScript, languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal have a rich history and continue to play crucial roles in various industries.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
FORTRAN: Born in the 1950s, FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation) was a pioneer, designed for scientific and engineering calculations. It excels in number-crunching tasks, making it indispensable in fields like weather forecasting, financial modeling, and high-performance computing. For example, its ability to handle complex mathematical computations with high precision and efficiency is why it’s still used in scientific research and engineering projects.
COBOL: This “Common Business Oriented Language” was specifically created for business applications. Think handling massive datasets, managing financial transactions, and powering the back-end systems of many large corporations. You might be surprised to know that millions of lines of COBOL code are still in use today! It’s the backbone of many banking systems, where reliability and extensive processing capabilities are crucial.
Pascal: While perhaps less prominent in industry, Pascal played a significant role in computer science education. Its structured approach to programming influenced many modern languages and helped shape how we teach programming concepts. Universities and colleges often used Pascal to introduce students to the fundamentals of programming due to its clear syntax and structured programming principles.
AI-generated image. “We don’t stand a chance if I don’t learn these programming languages. Why do I have to be the chosen one?”
Are They Still Used Today?
Well, the short answer is…yes. Absolutely!
FORTRAN: Remains a powerhouse in scientific computing and high-performance computing. Its ongoing relevance is due to its specialized libraries and tools that support extensive mathematical and engineering calculations. This language continues to evolve, with versions like Fortran 90 and Fortran 2008 bringing modern features to the table.
COBOL: Continues to underpin critical business systems, especially in finance. COBOL’s strength lies in its ability to process large volumes of transactions with accuracy and reliability. Efforts to modernize COBOL include integrating it with contemporary technologies and updating its syntax to make it more accessible to today’s programmers.
Pascal: While its direct use might have declined, its influence on other languages and its role in education remain significant. For instance, Object Pascal (Delphi) carries forward the legacy of Pascal in a modern object-oriented form, used in both desktop and mobile app development.
Can You Still Make Money with Them?
You can make money with any language but apparently companies are willing to pay big bucks. So, the answer is, yet again. Yes, you can!
Skilled FORTRAN programmers: are highly sought after in sectors like scientific research and high-performance computing, often commanding competitive salaries. Their expertise is invaluable in maintaining and developing high-precision applications for academia and industry.
COBOL programmers: who can maintain and modernize existing systems are in high demand, especially in the financial industry. These programmers ensure the seamless operation of critical financial transactions and data processing tasks, making them indispensable in the banking and insurance sectors.
AI-generated image. “You know the more time I spend programming a computer, the more I realize they’re right. It is time for a change.”
The Evolving Programming Landscape
While newer languages like Python and JavaScript dominate many areas today, the need to maintain and modernize legacy systems built on older languages creates a continuous demand for programmers proficient in these languages. Understanding these foundational languages also provides deeper insights into the development of programming paradigms and practices over the decades.
Should You Learn Them?
Learning older languages can provide valuable insights into the foundations of computer science. If you’re interested in scientific computing, finance, or working with legacy systems, learning FORTRAN or COBOL could open up unique career opportunities. Additionally, the structured thinking and problem-solving skills developed through Pascal can be beneficial across various programming tasks.
In Conclusion
While the tech world is constantly evolving, older programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal continue to play important roles. They demonstrate the enduring power of robust, well-designed languages and remind us that the history of computing is deeply intertwined with their development and evolution. The knowledge and expertise in these languages remain valuable assets in the ever-changing tech landscape. And with all of that being said, should you learn any of these languages? Or a language in general? Yeah, I mean people should learn something new every day. Learning a programming language, if any, places you above someone who doesn’t know the language. Remember your goal is to standout in the job market, not to blend in.
Disclaimer: This script is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or career advice.
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AI-generated image. “My phone is at 98%, maybe I should charge it.”
We’ve all been there—watching the battery percentage plummet faster than our hopes for a productive day. Whether it’s the dreaded “low battery” warning at the worst possible moment or your laptop shutting down mid-sentence, battery life is a fickle beast. But what actually determines how long your device holds a charge? And how does the battery’s health impact overall computer performance? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the electrifying world of batteries—and trust me, it’s more shocking than you’d think. Let’s unpack this, shall we?
Decoding Battery Life Expectations Across Your Gadgets
Ever wonder what constitutes “normal” battery life? Here’s a quick rundown:
Laptops: The sweet spot for general use typically hovers between 4 to 10 hours. Power-hungry beasts built for high performance might live on the lower end, while sleek ultraportables can stretch beyond these bounds.
Tablets: Often sip power more gently, offering around 6 to 12 hours of typical usage, sometimes even more, depending on the specific model and how you’re using it.
Smartphones: The daily driver usually aims for a full day on a single charge, translating to roughly 8 to 16 hours of moderate use.
Wearables (Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers): This category is the wild west! Smartwatches might give you a day or two, while simpler fitness trackers can soldier on for a week or even longer.
Remember, these are broad strokes. The advertised battery life and your real-world experience can vary quite a bit!
Now, let’s talk about the juice box itself:
Battery Capacity: More Milliampere-Hours Doesn’t Always Mean More Hours
Battery capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh), tells you the total energy a battery can store. Generally, a bigger number means more potential uptime. However, the actual usage time is a complex equation involving the device’s power draw – think CPU, GPU, screen, and those sneaky wireless modules – and the intensity of what you’re doing.
It’s not a simple linear relationship. That laptop with a 50 Wh battery might cruise for 5 hours while you’re just browsing (sipping around 10W), but crank up a game, and it might only last for a mere 1-2 hours (gulping down 25-50W or more).
Pro-tip: Watt-hours (Wh) is a more direct energy measure because it already factors in voltage:
Wh=1000mAh×Voltage
The Power Hogs: Culprits Behind Battery Drain
What sucks the life out of your battery during everyday computing? Here are the usual suspects:
Screen: Brightness and that smooth refresh rate are major energy guzzlers.
CPU/GPU: Heavy lifting like video editing, gaming, and compiling code really gets those chips working (and drawing power).
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and especially cellular data can be surprisingly power-hungry, particularly with weak signals or heavy data traffic.
Background Processes: Those seemingly innocent apps running in the background can still nibble away at your battery by using CPU, memory, and network resources.
Peripherals: Plugged-in gadgets, especially those drawing power from your device (like some external hard drives), add to the drain.
Business vs. Consumer: Different Priorities, Different Battery Lives?
You might notice a difference in battery expectations between the two. Business-grade devices often prioritize endurance for on-the-go productivity, focusing on typical office tasks. They might even pack larger batteries. Consumer devices offer a wider spectrum, with some emphasizing portability and battery life, while others (hello, gaming rigs!) lean towards raw performance, sometimes at the expense of unplugged time. Reliability and consistent performance under load can also be a bigger focus in the business world.
Now, let’s flip the coin and talk about performance:
When the Battery Light Turns Red: Performance Throttling
Ever notice your device getting sluggish when the battery is low? That’s not your imagination! To conserve what little juice is left, operating systems often kick in power throttling. This typically involves:
Reducing CPU clock speeds: Less processing power means tasks take longer.
Dimming the screen: A significant power saver.
Limiting background processes: Shutting down non-essential energy consumers.
Battery Health & Degradation: The Inevitable Decline
Lithium-ion batteries, the workhorses of our modern devices, have a finite lifespan measured in charge cycles (a full discharge and recharge, or cumulative partial discharges). Over time and with use, their maximum capacity will naturally decrease – this is normal degradation. You might see a small dip each year, with more noticeable drops after hundreds of full cycles. Manufacturers often give a lifespan in terms of charge cycles (e.g., “retains 80% capacity after 500 cycles”).
Charging Habits: Nurturing Your Battery’s Longevity
How you charge can make a difference:
Overnight charging: Modern devices have protection against overcharging, so it’s generally not a major concern. However, consistently keeping it at 100% for long periods might contribute to faster long-term degradation.
Partial charging: Often considered better for long-term health than constant full discharges and recharges. Aiming to keep the battery between 20-80% is a common recommendation.
Fast charging: Generates more heat, which can slightly accelerate degradation over the long haul. For many, the speed is worth this potential trade-off.
Monitoring Battery Health: Knowing When It’s Time
Most operating systems offer tools to check your battery’s health. Third-party apps can provide even more detail. Signs that a replacement might be needed include a significant drop in how long it lasts, sudden shutdowns, or the OS flagging a “service battery” status.
Environmental Enemies: Heat and More
Keep these environmental factors in mind:
Temperature: High heat is a big no-no for battery longevity. Avoid leaving devices in hot places. Extreme cold can also temporarily impact performance.
Humidity: Less of a direct concern for the battery cells themselves in modern devices, but extreme humidity could lead to corrosion over very long periods.
Storage: If you’re not using a device for a while, aim to store it with around 50% charge in a cool environment.
Let’s optimize!
Usage Optimization: Squeezing Out More Juice
Which apps and settings are the biggest battery drainers during regular use? Think graphics-intensive apps, streaming, GPS, high screen brightness, always-on displays, background app refresh, and push notifications. High screen resolution and refresh rates also play a role.
Wireless Wars: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular
Cellular data: Generally the most power-hungry when actively used, especially with a weak signal.
Wi-Fi: Can be less power-intensive for data transfer than cellular, but constant network searching can still drain the battery.
Bluetooth: Typically lower power, especially with newer LE standards, but continuous streaming or multiple connections can increase consumption.
Display Delights: Finding the Right Balance
Brightness: Lowering it is a big win for battery life. Auto-brightness can be your friend.
Refresh rate: Higher rates look smoother but use more power. Consider switching to standard when high fluidity isn’t needed.
Resolution: Higher resolutions require more GPU power, indirectly impacting battery. A slightly lower resolution might save some power without a huge visual difference for many tasks.
AI-generated image. “It’s time to hit that optimization button.”
Your Optimization Toolkit: Simple Steps, Big Impact
Lower screen brightness.
Turn off unused wireless connections.
Close unused apps (especially background ones).
Manage push notifications.
Reduce screen timeout.
Use power saver modes.
Tweak background app refresh settings.
Now, let’s peek under the hood:
Hardware’s Role: Processors, Graphics, and More
Processor Types (Intel, AMD, ARM): ARM processors are generally known for their power efficiency. Intel and AMD offer a range, with “U” series CPUs often prioritizing battery life over high-performance “H” series. Thermal management is also key – more efficient chips generate less heat, requiring less power for cooling.
Dedicated Graphics Cards: These are power-hungry beasts when active (like during gaming). Systems often switch to integrated graphics for less demanding tasks to save battery.
Storage & Memory: SSDs generally sip less power than HDDs. While more RAM doesn’t directly guzzle power, having enough can prevent frequent access to slower storage, indirectly saving battery.
External Peripherals: External hard drives (especially non-powered ones) and power-drawing USB devices can impact battery life.
Let’s talk about keeping the lights on:
Charging Technologies: Speed vs. Longevity
USB-C PD: A versatile standard offering fast charging with generally good battery health management.
Proprietary Adapters: Often designed for the fastest charging on a specific device, with battery health usually considered.
Wireless Charging: Typically slower and can generate more heat, potentially slightly affecting long-term health, though modern standards try to mitigate this.
Safety First: Preventing Battery Mishaps
Built-in safety features include Battery Management Systems (BMS), thermal sensors, and charge controllers to prevent overcharging, overheating, and over-discharging.
Smart Charging Habits: Extending Lifespan
Avoid prolonged periods at very high or very low charge levels.
Consider partial charges.
Keep your device at moderate temperatures while charging and using.
Backup Power: Staying Connected
External batteries (power banks): Perfect for extending mobile device runtime on the go.
UPS systems: For desktops and servers, providing temporary power during outages.
Finally, what to do when things go wrong:
Troubleshooting Battery Issues
Use built-in OS tools to identify battery-draining apps.
Recalibrating battery meters is less critical now but sometimes OS-specific procedures exist.
For charging issues, check cables, ports, and try restarting.
Failure vs. Software: Knowing the Difference
Battery failure signs: Rapid decline, sudden shutdowns, inability to charge properly, or a swollen battery.
Software issues: Sudden unexplained drain, inaccurate readings that a restart might fix.
When to Replace: The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Deciding whether to replace the battery or the whole device depends on the device’s age, overall condition, the cost of replacement, and your budget.
So, the next time you find yourself frantically searching for an outlet like a caffeine addict in a coffee shop, remember—battery life isn’t just about how long your device stays on; it affects everything from speed to longevity. Treat your battery well, and it’ll return the favor (well, most of the time). And if all else fails, consider embracing the old-school charm of a corded existence—who needs portability, anyway? Stay charged, stay savvy, and may your devices never betray you at 1%!
What aspects of this electrifying topic have sparked your interest the most? Let’s keep the conversation going!
Key Takeaways
Battery life expectations vary significantly across different device types (laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearables).
Battery capacity (mAh/Wh) indicates potential energy storage, but actual usage time is heavily influenced by power draw from components and the tasks being performed.
Screen brightness, CPU/GPU usage, and wireless connectivity are major battery drainers during typical computing tasks.
Low battery often triggers performance throttling (CPU, GPU, screen) to conserve power, leading to reduced system responsiveness.
Operating systems have power management features (dynamic frequency scaling, auto-dimming, etc.) to automatically adjust performance for better battery life.
Different power profiles (performance, balanced, power saver) offer trade-offs between computing capability and battery duration.
Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and with charge cycles, with charging habits (partial vs. full) and temperature playing a role in longevity.
Users can monitor battery health through built-in tools and third-party apps to know when replacement might be needed.
Optimizing usage by managing screen brightness, wireless connectivity, background apps, and display settings can significantly improve battery life.
Hardware components like processor type, dedicated GPUs, and storage types have varying impacts on power consumption.
Charging technologies have different speeds and potential long-term effects on battery health.
Understanding the signs of battery failure versus software issues is crucial for troubleshooting.
Essentially, it’s a constant balancing act between wanting peak performance and needing your device to last. Smart management of both usage and charging is key to getting the most out of your devices over their lifespan.
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Gaming and Programming Parallels: Video games and programming both have structured rules that you need to understand to succeed.
Understanding Basics: Just like learning a game’s mechanics, understanding computer basics like binary is crucial in programming.
Problem-Solving Skills: Video games, especially complex ones like “Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” develop problem-solving skills useful in debugging code.
Importance of Breaks: Taking breaks can help solve coding issues, similar to stepping away from a challenging game level.
Experimentation: Treat programming like a game; experiment with code to learn more effectively.
Python as a Starting Point: Python is an excellent language for beginners due to its simplicity and quick results.
Prototyping: Using Python to prototype ideas before moving to more complex development is a smart strategy.
Project Management: Managing projects well is crucial to avoid being overwhelmed, much like saving progress in a game.
AI-generated image. Reading books helps, yes, but playing video games can actually make you sharper.
How Playing Video Games Can Help You Learn Programming
Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I want to dive into an interesting topic: how playing video games can actually help you learn programming. As someone who’s really into computers, I find this connection fascinating. Let’s explore how these two seemingly different worlds intersect.
The Gaming-Programming Connection
So, if you’ve ever played a video game, you know there is a set of rules you follow to win. Interestingly, the same goes for learning programming. The first thing you learn in programming is how the computer processes what you tell it, starting with the basics of binary code. This foundational knowledge in computer science is akin to understanding the rules of a game. However, if you get lost, just remember; that computers understand ones and zeros, and humans understand words and numbers…sometimes.
Once you grasp these basics, you can dive into learning a programming language. The goal is to understand what you can and can’t do, much like figuring out strategies in a video game. One game that perfectly illustrates this is “Zelda: Ocarina of Time”. If you look forward to tackling the Water Temple in this game, you might have what it takes to be a programmer, that and you’re weird
AI-generated image. Play Zelda and go the water temple they said, it’ll be fun, they said! THE FUN PART ELUDES ME!!
Debugging: The Water Temple of Programming
Here’s where the Water Temple comes into play—pun intended. Just like in the Water Temple, debugging involves a lot of doubling back, searching for that missing item, or discovering a new path. This is a real reflection of programming, especially when you’re working on a complex project. When things are going smoothly, it’s like playing around in the water. But when you get stuck, it can feel like a drowning nightmare.
Tips for Debugging
So, how do you keep from drowning? The common remedy is to take a break. Often, stepping away from the problem helps you passively solve it in your head. I remember a time when I was working on some JavaScript code that wasn’t rendering in the browser. After spending almost an hour trying to fix it, I took a break. When I came back, I realized I had a typo and had misplaced some code. It was a small mistake, but it caused a lot of headaches.
Treat Programming Like a Game
So, you want to start programming but you don’t have the temperament for it? Here’s my advice: approach programming as if you’re playing a game. Once you understand the basic rules, start experimenting to see what happens. I often write code that works and then intentionally break it to see what errors I get. This opens up another path for learning because I have to figure out why it doesn’t work. Sounds crazy, I know, but this is where the leveling-up really happens.
AI-generated image. If you gotta start somewhere, it might as well be here.
Why Python is a Great Starting Point
You want a language to start grinding out some xp(experience)? If you’re looking for a fun and accessible way to start programming, I highly recommend Python. With just a few lines of code, you can create a random number guessing game. It’s no sweat and a great way to get instant feedback. Of course, this isn’t a triple A game, however, it’s a starting point that will put you ahead of your friends.
Prototyping with Python
Personally, I use Python to test out new ideas. If I can get a small piece of code working, I then move on to developing a web application. It’s like building a rough draft before creating the final masterpiece.
Managing Projects
One thing to keep in mind is to manage your projects well. As a software engineer, you might find yourself drowning in projects if you don’t. It’s almost like I never left the Water Temple! Always remember to save your progress, whether you’re gaming or coding. There’s no worse feeling than creating something that you feel is going do wonders only for something to go wrong and find worst, that you didn’t save.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into how playing video games can actually help you learn programming. Happy coding, and may your debug sessions be as thrilling as your gaming adventures!
What do you think? Ready to start treating programming like your favorite game? 🎮💻
Love learning tech? Join our community of passionate minds! Share your knowledge, ask questions, and grow together. Like, comment, and subscribe to fuel the movement!
