Insights from Bill Gates’ ‘Source Code: My Beginnings’
Published on February 4 by Knopf, Bill Gates’ latest autobiography, Source Code: My Beginnings, delves into the pivotal moments of his youth that ignited his passion for computers and programming. In an upcoming interview with Lee Cowan on CBS Sunday Morning on February 2, Gates reflects on this journey.
The Early Spark: Discovering BASIC
In the excerpt from the book, Gates recounts how various factors converged to allow him to access a computer in 1968. This moment was not merely a stroke of luck, as it stemmed from supportive teachers, a new trend of computer sharing via telephone lines, and the creation of the BASIC programming language by two Dartmouth professors.
Introduced as a means for non-technical students to begin programming, BASIC utilized straightforward commands like GOTO, IF, THEN, and PRINT, making it approachable for novices. Gates notes that this simplicity captivated him and instilled a desire to explore further.
First Steps in Programming
Next to the terminal he used, a paper with basic instructions was posted, warning users that incorrect commands might lead to operational issues. It showcased a fundamental program written in BASIC, teaching the computer to add two numbers:
10 INPUT X,Y
20 LET A=X+Y
30 PRINT A
40 END
This program marked Gates’ initial foray into coding, resonating with his appreciation for order and leading to an electrifying sense of achievement. From this point, Gates wrote his first complete program—a tic-tac-toe game. This experience taught him the necessity of detail in programming, where imprecise code could lead to failures, prompting countless revisions as he sought accuracy.
Challenges and Growth Through Programming
Gates continued to expand his skills, creating a lunar lander game that required careful algorithmic construction and logical thinking. He learned to dissect problems into manageable components, much like solving mathematical proofs. As he navigated the programming landscape, he discovered that while programming does not rely heavily on advanced mathematics, it demands a rigorous and logical mindset.
Competitive Spirit and Collaboration
The environment in the computer lab fostered a blend of competition and collaboration among peers. Gates found himself eager to outperform his older classmates, establishing a determination to excel. His interactions with others, particularly a sophomore named Paul Allen, challenged him further, and their dynamic marked the inception of a profound partnership that would later lead to the founding of Microsoft.
