When I first encountered computers, it was the early 1990s. My first PC was a Commodore 64 connected to a TV using an antenna input. Games were loaded from cassette tapes, and the excitement of watching a game load, which could sometimes take minutes, was unforgettable. It was a perfect era filled with timeless classic games.
At that time, my only source for learning programming was the C64 Basic manual. I wrote simple programs with it, modified them, and recorded my work on cassette tapes. Additionally, I worked with Simon’s Basic and explored machine language through a cartridge plugged into the C64.
Later, I discovered the Amiga, a dream machine for its time. The ability to load games via floppy disks, the absence of cassette alignment issues (a common problem with tapes), and the enhanced graphics were mesmerizing. I never owned one, which only heightened my curiosity.
As time progressed, I also worked with more advanced hardware: the 8086, 386DX, 486, and Pentium. These machines allowed me to dive into programming languages like Pascal, Borland C++, and Visual Basic. Later, I explored web development with ASP 1.1 and eventually transitioned to learning C#, which became my primary programming language. Books continued to be my primary source of knowledge, serving as my gateway to understanding the intricacies of code.
The Internet Revolution
The arrival of the internet was a game-changer. Information was no longer confined to books. Search engines like Google became our companions, making knowledge accessible to everyone. From forums to online guides, the internet enabled an unprecedented exchange of ideas and solutions.
However, this abundance of resources sometimes led to surface-level understanding. For me, questioning and understanding were always the priority. Every piece of information I encountered was scrutinized, adapted, and applied. Passive consumption was never an option for me.
Artificial Intelligence: A Tool, Not a Threat
While artificial intelligence might seem like a recent innovation, its development has been ongoing for decades. From early expert systems to neural networks, AI continues to evolve as a tool to assist us, just as books and the internet once did.
Today, AI transforms how we find and use information. Tools like ChatGPT and Bard are improving fields such as healthcare and creative arts, helping people rather than replacing them.
Despite its growing presence, AI remains a tool designed to assist, not to take over. Like books and the internet, it provides inspiration and solutions, but the final responsibility for decisions and creativity remains ours.
Changing Tools, Constant Values
New tools and resources will constantly emerge. What truly matters is not the tool itself, but how we use it. Whether it was books in the 1990s, the internet in the 2000s, or artificial intelligence today, the principle remains the same: question, adapt, and create.
The fear that AI will replace human jobs is misguided. Instead, AI is transforming the way we work. It doesn’t eliminate roles but redefines them, requiring us to learn and grow alongside these advancements.
Conclusion: Tools + Producers = Products
I’ve always lived by a simple equation: Tools + Producers = Products. Tools evolve, but they don’t alter this equation. Whether I was using books, the internet, or advanced AI tools, I never relied on them without question. They inspired me and helped me think differently, but the ownership of the work—its craftsmanship—was always mine.
The same principle should apply to you too. Question what you learn, take ownership of your work, and let your creativity guide you.
“What you do with what you know makes all the difference.”
This article is dedicated to my uncle, Mustafa Özçınar, whose influence was instrumental in my journey into the world of technology. From the first Commodore 64 games to the mesmerizing Amiga computers, he played a key role in shaping my path into this profession. I will always be grateful for his guidance and inspiration.
