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Help You, we can.
Have you ever wondered how we here at Scriptingthewhy play a part or have a place in this community? We would like to think it’s attributed to the insight we provide on certain cybersecurity issues.
There are many places online where you can find information, however, it’s in a technical tone most of the time. Most people just want “What is the problem”, and “How do I fix it”.
We would like to think that with us, you get your problem fixed and a chuckle at the same time.
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Now, making jokes aside, we have helped people. Covering topics like cloud computing and programming helped people be better prepared for what to expect. The world of Information Technology is vast and it’s difficult to navigate, especially when trying to switch careers.
That’s why we created our site, Scriptingthewhy.com, because we’re trying to make IT simple for the layman. We will admit it’s not perfect and we still need a lot of work, but we know it’s a step in the right direction.
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In this direction, it is hoped that we provide you with some quality entertainment while you learn or find a solution to a pending problem. Information technology can seem a large and intimidating field, but we can assure you that with small steps, it can be for anyone.
Also, as you can see in the media, you don’t need a degree to get into the field. Most places say they require it, and sure, depending on the job and the requirements, you may need one. But on a general scale, a degree is not needed to work in IT. And we’re here to provide that comfort.
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A Simple Director
Ever so often, we’re asked a question that really makes us stop and think, “Hmm, you know, we’ve never thought of that before, We’ve always been on the go.” Now, that we have paused to stop smelling the digital poo and smell some actual roses, we began to wonder.
What gives us direction in life? An interesting question that goes right up there with “What’s the meaning of life?” Oh, you don’t know the answer? The meaning is simple, you are to live and learn. We found that learning gives us direction.
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Who wants to learn? Learning is boring and for the most part, tough. Learning has a whole process behind it. It can be tedious, overbearing at times, and difficult at times. But what’s that old saying “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” Everyone wants to be known for something, but most don’t want to put in the work.
A great benefit to learning is it sets off a chain reaction. Going from one subject to the next sends the learner on a journey, where at moments, there are times of feeling lost, confused, and hopeless. Only to realize what they’ve learned has built their character, shaped their ideas, and raised them to new levels they could never have imagined.
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Now, while we’ve made learning sound magical, and sometimes it is, there is a lot of work that goes into getting that magical “high”. A key to acquiring the “learner mindset” is discipline. It’s difficult to get anywhere without discipline.
This doesn’t mean forcing yourself to read 20 books in one day or take a series of classes. You could do that but the chances of getting overwhelmed and quitting are higher at that point. Setting the goal to learn a little of something each day, and building on that is a great start. You might be the next Albert Einstein, but you’ll know more than you did yesterday and the years to come.
“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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