Category Archives: Computers

What is the main difference between C and Fortran?

The answer here is based on FORTRAN IV, the version of FORTRAN with which I have the most familiarity. The newer FORTRANs may have fixed the following problems. FORTRAN simply means Formula Translation. It is one of the first languages … Continue reading

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C++ Hardest New Concept

I teach C++ programming to beginners. All of them seem to quickly understand simple programs like “Hello World.” They can get the logic down fairly well in simple flow charts. But where they seem to have the most struggles is … Continue reading

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What is the purpose of a pointer in programming?

The full question ended with: “Why not access the variable directly?” It depends on what you mean by “access the variable directly.” In Algol derived languages (like C, C#, C++, Pascal, Ada), the way to access a variable directly is … Continue reading

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Which programming language did you think would be prominent, but turned out to be a complete dud?

Wayne Cook, Certified Scrum Master After reading John Dougherty’s answer on Quora, I was tempted not to answer. But, that was only a fleeting thought. It is hard to limit it to just one language. I was originally thinking of … Continue reading

Posted in Ada, Algol, FORTRAN, Java, LISP, Pascal, Software | Tagged | 2 Comments

“I Am”

I am is the most powerful phrase in the English language. What follows those words determine what thoughts we each have about ourselves. The words following can be derogatory, learning, hopeful, humble, egotistical, or some combination. The choice is ours. … Continue reading

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Should I learn how to code or learn another language?

I have been working with software development since I was a junior in high school. I have used at least twenty-five languages for various projects. I can take my coding skills from language to language (at least in groups of … Continue reading

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Do You Really Want to Work for a Large Corporation?

Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix, two companies for whom I have worked, were once garage-shop companies. Most companies start up that way and grow bigger as they reach their goals. The founders of companies care about their companies and the employees, the … Continue reading

Posted in Agile Methodology, Attitude, Becoming, Computers, Divergent Thinking, Do, Financial Health, Fulfilling Life, Goals, Mentor, older Americans, Planning, SCRUM, SCRUM Methodology, Self-Worth, Software, Thinking, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gemba – Designing for the Person – Scrum

Gemba is an interesting process for management introduced by the Japanese. In Japanese, it is often pronounced “Genda” and written 現場. Gemba means “the real place.” Its goal is to see how work is done and tools are used, then … Continue reading

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S.T.E.M. is now becoming S.T.E.A.M.

S.T.E.M. was originally designed to help young women understand and enter the technical fields. S.T.E.M. stands for Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics. It has been very successful by most measures.  In fact, there are various lists of essential reading for women in S.T.E.M. However, … Continue reading

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Are all Experienced Engineers Rude and New Engineers Obnoxious

This was written in response on Quora asking if all experienced engineers rude. In many respects, it is written as a letter to new engineers just coming out of school. I have been producing software for many years. Most new … Continue reading

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