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The Fascinating History of Punch Card Programming

Punch card programming may seem like a relic of the past, yet its story is a critical chapter in the evolution of computer science. This pioneering method served as one of the earliest forms of programming, enabling automation in various fields. Surprisingly, punch card programming remained in widespread use until the 1980s, revealing just how recent this technology truly is.

The Origins of Computer Programming

The roots of computer programming trace back to the textile industry. In 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard introduced a revolutionary invention: the jacquard loom. This loom automated the process of weaving intricate fabric patterns, which previously relied heavily on a human assistant called a draw boy.