Historical Perspectives: Early Paths of Today's Software Developers

The world of software development has evolved dramatically over the past century. But what lines of work would the people who now go into computer programming have pursued a hundred years ago, in a time when computers were non-existent or barely in the conceptual stage?

Let us explore the historical context and the paths that early adopters of programming and digital technology might have taken. From George Washington's surveying job to the roles of human 'computers' and early accounting professionals, we will trace the evolution of skills and industries that paved the way for modern software development.

The Early Nineteenth Century

During the early nineteenth century, the world was in a different era with no computers or even the rudiments of modern computing concepts. George Washington, while awaiting the release of Java 2.0, might have taken a job as a surveyor. As for another visionary, Pierre-Simon Dupont, he focused on his research and development laboratories. Alexander Graham Bell was busy exploring the realms of sound and light, envisioning technologies that would later transform communication. Even Igor Sikorsky, the aviation pioneer, would have been engaged in developing aerial vehicles and techniques, far from the digital age he would presage centuries later.

Human 'Computers' and Accountants

The roles of 'human computers' and 'calculators' became prominent in the late 1800s, largely comprised of women who performed complex calculations manually. In 1917, the scene was different but not entirely dissimilar. Some people were already involved in various engineering projects, while others might have been engaged in manual labor or training others to perform these tasks. Additionally, many were busy working on the Census Bureau, where they programmed Hollerith tabulators, which were early predecessors to modern digital computers.

Another notable profession during this time was accounting. The skills required to be a successful accountant, such as analytical mindset, attention to detail, ability to abstract, and perseverance over tedious tasks, closely mirrored those needed by software developers. Therefore, it is likely that many early adopters of digital technology also found their way into accounting professions.

World War I and Beyond

World War I (1914-1918) had a significant impact on the workforce, with millions of people enlisted in the military. Many others were needed to support the war effort, including manufacturing weapons and resources. Given the historical context, one might imagine that various skilled positions, such as mechanics, engineers, and even housewives (given the societal roles of the time), would have been commonplace.

However, the world of software development was yet to be born. In the UK, many men were conscripted and sent to trench warfare, making it unlikely that writing the perfect line of code would have been of primary importance at that time. The need for skilled labor to support the war effort would have been more pressing.

The Renaissance and Middle Ages

While the idea of computing as we know it today did not exist, the Renaissance and Middle Ages were periods of great innovation and problem-solving. Leonardo da Vinci, for instance, could have been involved in a hypothetical digital age, applying his engineering and design skills to create marvelous inventions.

The Middle Ages, with their transitions and conflicts, provided a backdrop where the skills that software engineers use today—problem-solving and project management—could have been applied in various ways. Engineers, mathematicians, and artists would have found their places in the societies of the time, with the tools and knowledge available to them.

Thus, while the exact paths taken by early adopters of computing may vary, the skills and professions they pursued were a natural evolution from the problem-solving and analytical mindset required by early computing, accounting, and engineering tasks.

Conclusion

The historical context provides a rich tapestry of potential paths that today's software developers and engineers could have followed if born a hundred years ago. Whether in accounting, mechanical engineering, or creative arts, the analytical, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills required for today's digital age were already present in various forms.