computers – Scriptingthewhy.com

Why You Should Get Yourself a Job with Legacy Programming Languages

Key Takeaways

“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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Security, Tech

IP Addresses vs Cookies: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways:

IP Addresses:
- Unique identifiers for devices on the internet.
- Enable communication and data exchange between devices.
- Transition from IPv4 to IPv6 to accommodate the growing number of connected devices.
Cookies:
- Small text files stored on your device by websites.
- Enhance user experience by personalizing browsing and remembering preferences.
- Raise privacy concerns due to tracking capabilities.
Privacy Considerations:
- Browser settings allow you to control cookie usage.
- Tracking protection features limit website tracking.
- VPNs can enhance privacy by masking your IP address.
Future Trends:
- Continued adoption of IPv6.
- Development of privacy-preserving technologies like the Privacy Sandbox.
Importance of Awareness:
- Understanding IP addresses and cookies is crucial for navigating the digital world with greater privacy and security.

AI-generated image. “Why do I always have this feeling that someone is watching me?”

Come one, come all! Welcome back to another exciting, PC booting hot topic on the internet for the internet. Here’s a question for you. Do you ever get the feeling that somewhere, at some time, someone…is watching you? Stalking you around every corner, documenting your every move? If you said ‘no’, then you never had a manager. If you said ‘yes’ to however, then welcome. You are not alone in the “Rockwell” experience. Today, we are going over IP addresses and the delicious item grandma use to make, those sweet, tasty, moist…cookies.

Unmasking the Invisible Web: Understanding IP Addresses and Cookies

The internet, in case you didn’t know and have been living underneath a boulder, is a vast network connecting billions of devices worldwide, relies on a complex system to function. Two key players in this intricate web are IP addresses and cookies. While seemingly invisible, they play a crucial role in how we interact with the digital world.

IP Addresses: Your Digital Passport

Imagine every device connected to the internet—your phone, laptop, smart home devices—as having a unique address. That’s essentially what an IP address is. It’s a numerical label assigned to each device, allowing it to communicate and exchange data with other devices across the network.

Think of it like your physical address. Your home address allows mail carriers to deliver mail to your specific location. Similarly, an IP address guides data packets to the correct destination on the internet.

IPv4 and IPv6: Historically, we’ve been using IPv4, a system with a limited number of addresses (approximately 4.3 billion). As the internet exploded in popularity, we faced a shortage. This led to the development of IPv6, offering a significantly larger address space (340 undecillion addresses) to accommodate the ever-growing number of connected devices.

AI-generated image. “Wait, so I can track what she’s doing on the internet?”

Cookies: Tiny Trackers with a Purpose

Now, let’s talk about cookies. No, these aren’t what I had mentioned earlier, your grandmother didn’t lay down the law to make these cookies. And, you can’t eat them. These are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They might seem insignificant, but cookies play a vital role in how you interact with websites.

Types of Cookies:

Session Cookies: These are temporary and deleted once you close your browser. They help with site navigation and remember user inputs temporarily.
Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device until they expire or you delete them. They store your preferences and login details for a smoother browsing experience.

Functions:

Personalization: Cookies remember your preferences, such as language settings, login information, and even items in your shopping cart. This allows websites to tailor your experience and provide a more personalized browsing experience.
Tracking: While helpful, cookies also enable websites to track your browsing behavior. They can monitor which pages you visit, how long you spend on each page, and even which ads you click on.

The Privacy Implications

The ability to track user behavior through cookies raises significant privacy concerns. This data can be used to create detailed profiles of your interests and online habits, which can then be used for targeted advertising.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy:

Browser Settings: Most modern browsers offer privacy settings that allow you to control how websites can use cookies. You can block cookies entirely, or choose to only accept cookies from websites you trust.
Tracking Protection: Many browsers also include features like enhanced tracking protection, which aim to limit the ability of websites to track your online activity.
Use of VPNs: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can mask your IP address, providing an additional layer of privacy and security.

The Future of IP Addresses and Cookies

The internet is constantly evolving, and so are the technologies that underpin it.

IPv6 Adoption: As the demand for IP addresses continues to grow, IPv6 will gradually become the dominant standard.
Privacy-Focused Technologies: Recognizing the growing importance of user privacy, there’s a shift towards more privacy-preserving technologies, such as the Privacy Sandbox initiative by Google. These technologies aim to provide a balance between personalized experiences and user privacy.

AI-generated image. “So, one day, these cookies are going to be edible?”

In Conclusion

IP addresses and cookies are fundamental to the functioning of the internet. Understanding how they work and their implications for your privacy is crucial in today’s digital age. By taking control of your browser settings and being mindful of your online activity, you can navigate the digital landscape with greater awareness and control.

This script aims to provide a basic understanding of IP addresses and cookies. If you’re interested in delving deeper into these topics, I encourage you to explore further resources and stay informed about the latest developments in internet technology. And with all of that being said, mind what sites you visit, mind what you click, and always mind cookies leave crumbs.

Disclaimer: This script is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as cybersecurity advice.

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Security, Tech

Discover Why Crypto Could Save You Money Today

Key Takeaways

Cryptocurrency leverages cryptography: Secure transactions are enabled through complex mathematical algorithms that encrypt and decrypt data.
Blockchain technology:
- A decentralized, immutable ledger shared across a network of computers.
- Records transactions as “blocks” in a chronological chain.
Key cryptographic concepts:
- Public-key cryptography: Utilizes public and private key pairs for secure communication.
- Hashing: Creates unique digital fingerprints for transactions, ensuring data integrity.
Security Risks:
- Cryptographic weaknesses: Exploitable vulnerabilities in the algorithms or their implementation.
- Smart contract vulnerabilities: Bugs in self-executing contracts can be exploited.
- Phishing and social engineering: Attacks targeting users to steal private keys.
Potential of Cryptocurrencies:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Disintermediating financial services.
- Faster and cheaper transactions: Enabling efficient global transactions.
- Increased financial inclusion: Providing access to financial services for the unbanked.
Challenges:
- Volatility: Significant price fluctuations.
- Regulation: Evolving regulatory landscape.
- Scalability: Limitations in processing high transaction volumes.

AI-generated image. “I BOUGHT THIS COIN LIKE YOU SAID, AND NOW IT’S WORTH NOTHING! YOU SAID I WAS GOING TO MAKE MILLIONS!”

Diving Deep into Crypto: A Techie’s Perspective

Come one, come all. Welcome back, come have a seat. Or have a stand if you’re reading this in an elevator. I don’t know what my tech interest readers are doing at the time of reading this. Welcome to another exciting topic that has taken the internet and my new feed by storm.

This something that every “finance professional bro” is talking about on popular platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TicTok. These are all popular platforms to obtain solid, insightful, life-changing information. That was sarcasm. YouTube, you might get solid information, and that’s a strong might. However, the others are pretty much taking life advice from children.

Social soap-box aside, moving right along. Today’s topic is Cryptocurrency. What is it? It’s a buzzword that’s been dominating headlines for years, but what exactly is it, and how does it work from a technical standpoint?

At its core, cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that leverages cryptography – the art of secure communication – to enable secure transactions. Cryptography uses complex mathematical algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data, meaning only authorized parties can access and utilize it. This is crucial for crypto, as it ensures:

Security: Your funds are protected from unauthorized access.
Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on a public, immutable ledger called a blockchain.

AI-generated image. “I’m just checking for missing parts. There’s no way I’m going use this as a bot to inflate prices.”

How does it work under the hood?

Imagine a digital ledger – a giant spreadsheet – shared across a vast network of computers. This is the blockchain. Each transaction is recorded as a “block” on this ledger, creating a chronological chain of events. In layman terms; it’s a giant notebook that everyone can see and write in. Whenever buying or selling something, it’s documented in the notebook. Each new note is a new page to the notebook.

Cryptography plays a starring role:
Public-key cryptography: Each user has a unique pair of keys: a public key (shared with others) and a private key (kept secret).
Hashing: Transactions are hashed, creating unique digital fingerprints that are difficult to alter.

This system ensures:

Decentralization: No single entity controls the network.
Immutability: Once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered.

The Techie’s Take on Security Risks

While cryptography is the backbone of crypto’s security, it’s not without its vulnerabilities:

Cryptographic weaknesses: Flaws in the algorithms or their implementation can be exploited by hackers.
Smart contract vulnerabilities: These self-executing contracts, while powerful, can contain bugs that can be exploited to drain funds.
Phishing and social engineering: Hackers often target users with phishing emails or scams to trick them into revealing their private keys.

The Future of Finance: A Crypto-Powered Vision

The future of finance with crypto is brimming with potential…that is until the government gets involved but until we have:

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Imagine a world where financial services like lending and borrowing operate without intermediaries. DeFi platforms leverage blockchain technology to enable this.
Faster and cheaper transactions: Crypto offers the potential for near-instantaneous and low-cost transactions across borders.
Increased financial inclusion: Crypto can provide access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked populations globally.

However, challenges remain:

Volatility: The price of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate wildly.
Regulation: The regulatory landscape for crypto is still evolving.
Scalability: Many blockchain networks face limitations in processing a high volume of transactions.

AI-generated image. “Not all crypto is made equal, the same goes for the risk.”

In Conclusion

Cryptocurrency is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape. While challenges and risks exist, the underlying technology of cryptography and blockchain holds immense promise for the future. And with all of that being said, crypto can be a hit or miss. Some people get into crypto and win big but that margin is a small few. All in all, do your own research and be careful with your money, and who you follow for crypto advice. The pursuit of money blinds reality, and that’s dangerous.

Disclaimer: This script is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile investments and may result in significant losses.

Disclaimer: The use of cryptography in cryptocurrencies does not guarantee absolute security.

Disclaimer: It is crucial to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any cryptocurrency.

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!

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