I'm a "Classically" trained programmer, originally in Cobol with punch cards, which gave me the best footing into a life of structured languages. Even if the language did not require a structured approach, I used it, more for readability by others than for convenience. I was stuck on Clipper 5 for many years for many reasons, but in 2014 I realised I was a dinosaur among kids that thought faster, programmed faster. I was retrenched because the company I was with closed when the owner reached retirement.

I've never been a big fan of microsoft and I'd read about Linux and their open-source approach and let's be honest, not paying for software when you have little money is a big draw card. Coming from a MS-Dos background, the terminal was an easy slide-in for me. I found I'd become used to the way Linux worked and I loved it. It's basic footprint was amazing and my entry level machine simply flew.

Over the years I've dabbled in all sorts of languages, python, bash, go. my problem is I'm spoiled for choice and when I see something that catches my eye, I abandon everything to try that out. I have however become quite good at bash and discovered many new and interesting things, but battle with sed. Trying to follow the //\// etc usually end up giving me a migraine, so I find alternates.