My Journey from Visual Basic 6 to Cloud Programming

Discovering Programming with Visual Basic 6

My adventure into programming began in 2012 when I first discovered Visual Basic 6 and started coding with it using its IDE. At the same time, I explored web development by writing HTML code in Notepad. These initial experiences were simple yet incredibly exciting. Visual Basic 6 provided a straightforward way to create desktop applications, and Notepad allowed me to see how HTML could shape web pages. This dual introduction to programming and web development laid the foundation for my future learning.

Visual Basic 6 was my first love of programming. Its IDE was user-friendly, and it offered immediate visual feedback, which made learning both fun and productive. I could drag and drop elements to create user interfaces and write code to bring those interfaces to life. It was a powerful tool for a beginner, and it sparked my curiosity about what more I could do with programming.

At the same time, coding HTML in Notepad taught me the basics of web development. It was a simple text editor, but it allowed me to create and view web pages, giving me a taste of the vast possibilities of the internet. These early projects were rudimentary but crucial in building my confidence and interest in coding.

The School Library and Mr. Anusha Jayawardene

One of my favorite memories from those early days is spending time in the school library. There was a huge book on Visual Basic 6 that I desperately wanted to read, but it was too big for students in grade 7 to borrow. Luckily, Mr. Anusha Jayawardene, the librarian, saw my passion for programming and made an exception. He lent me the book using his own card, which was a game-changer for me. That book became my gateway to understanding more advanced aspects of programming, such as adding system tray icons and tweaking the registry. These small projects were incredibly fun and gave me a sense of achievement. This officially made programming my hobby and my future goal as a career to pursue.

The support from Mr. Jayawardene was invaluable. He recognized my enthusiasm and provided me with the resources I needed to learn and grow. The library became my second home, where I spent countless hours reading and experimenting with code. The Visual Basic 6 book was my constant companion, filled with examples and exercises that I eagerly worked through. It was during this time that I realized the immense potential of programming and how it could be used to create powerful applications.

Usual Habit: Reading Monthly Magazine

Another crucial aspect of my early programming journey was my habit of reading monthly computer magazines. Two of my favorite magazines were Wijeya Pariganaka and Roo Pariganaka. These publications were packed with articles, tutorials, and the latest updates in the tech world.

The DVD that came with Roo Pariganaka magazine was an added bonus. They often included software trials, development tools, and even video tutorials. These resources were incredibly valuable, as they allowed me to experiment with new technologies and expand my skill set. I still remember the excitement of finding a new tool or framework on these DVDs and spending hours exploring its capabilities.

Over the years, I amassed a collection of more than 100 issues of Wijeya Pariganaka and Roo Pariganaka between 2011 and 2015. This collection became a valuable resource that I frequently referred to. Each magazine was filled with articles and tutorials that I could revisit whenever I needed guidance or inspiration.

Moving Up with Visual Studio 2010 Express

After getting a good grasp on Visual Basic 6, I transitioned to Visual Studio 2010 Express. This was a significant upgrade that opened up a new world of possibilities. Visual Studio 2010 Express was more powerful and user-friendly compared to the tools I had used previously. It offered a rich set of features, including an integrated debugger, which made finding and fixing errors in my code much easier.

With Visual Studio 2010 Express, I started to work on more complex projects. I began exploring object-oriented programming concepts, learning how to structure my code better and make it more modular and reusable. I also delved into creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which made my applications more interactive and user-friendly. The ability to design and develop sophisticated applications was both challenging and rewarding.

This period was marked by a steep learning curve, but it was also incredibly fulfilling. I spent countless hours coding, debugging, and refining my projects. Each new project taught me something new and helped me grow as a programmer. The support I received from Mr. Jayawardene and the resources available in the library played a crucial role in this growth.

Discovering New Languages and Tools

As my interest in programming grew, so did my curiosity about other programming languages and tools. While Visual Basic 6 provided a solid foundation, I wanted to explore what else was out there. This curiosity led me to experiment with languages like JavaScript, Python, and C#. Each language offered unique features and presented different challenges, which broadened my understanding of programming.

During this time, I also discovered more advanced development environments. One of the most significant discoveries was Visual Studio Code, an open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. Visual Studio Code quickly became my go-to tool due to its flexibility and extensive range of extensions. It supported multiple programming languages and had features like IntelliSense, which made coding faster and more efficient.

Visual Studio Code also introduced me to the world of version control with Git. I learned how to track changes in my code, collaborate with other developers, and manage different versions of my projects. These skills were invaluable as I started to work on more collaborative projects and contributed to open-source software.

As a curious learner, I was always eager to explore new tools, plugins, and frameworks. I experimented with various libraries and frameworks, such as DevExpress, Telerik, and Bunifu, which helped me create more polished and professional applications. These tools offered advanced controls and components that made my applications stand out. I also explored modern tools and frameworks like Vite, Webpack, and Svelte, which improved my workflow and allowed me to build faster and more efficient applications.

Learning PHP and SQL

In 2017, I took a significant step forward by learning PHP and SQL. These technologies opened up new possibilities for web development, allowing me to create dynamic, data-driven websites and applications. PHP was my first server-side language, and it taught me how to handle user input, interact with databases, and build more complex web applications.

Learning SQL was equally transformative. It allowed me to understand the fundamentals of database design and management. I learned how to create, read, update, and delete data in databases, which was essential for building full-stack applications. Combining PHP and SQL enabled me to create interactive websites with login systems, content management, and data analytics.

Embracing Cloud Programming

In recent years, my focus has shifted towards cloud programming. Cloud programming involves creating and deploying applications that run on the internet rather than on a local computer. This transition required learning new concepts and technologies, such as containerization, microservices, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.

One of the key advantages of cloud programming is scalability. Cloud-based applications can easily scale up or down based on demand, which is essential for handling varying levels of traffic. Additionally, cloud platforms offer a wide range of services and tools that simplify the development and deployment process.

To get started with cloud programming, I learned about Docker, a platform that allows developers to package applications and their dependencies into containers. Containers are lightweight, portable, and can run consistently across different environments. This made it easier to develop, test, and deploy applications.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, it's amazing to see how far I've come since those early days of coding in Notepad. The support from people like Mr. Anusha Jayawardene was crucial in my journey. The skills I learned from Visual Basic 6 have been invaluable as I continue to explore new technologies and methodologies.

As I move forward, I remain passionate about programming, always eager to learn and innovate. My journey from Visual Basic 6 to cloud programming has been a thrilling ride, filled with challenges, learning, and growth. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me next!

My journey in programming has been a series of learning experiences, each building upon the previous one. From the early days of Visual Basic 6 to the modern era of cloud programming, I have continually sought to expand my knowledge and skills. The journey has not always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. The support and encouragement I received along the way, particularly from Mr. Jayawardene, have been instrumental in my growth as a programmer. As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities and ready to embrace the next chapter of my programming journey.