Stevens Miller

[stevensrmiller]

Greetings! I'm a long-time programmer (40 years) who just got into Java in the last year. So far, I love it, though I'm still a bit frustrated by issues associated with moving large amounts of image data onto the screen that seem to result from not having pointers (but I'm sure I'll get used to that, and have used some native methods to beat the speed issues here and there).

I'm mostly working right now with Microsoft's DirectShow, and would be pleased to trade thoughts with others doing the same thing. Also, although my algorithm-related skills are pretty good, and I've got lots of years of experience with debugging, most of my work has not been in object-oriented languages. Any advice on how to design OO programs will be gratefully and humbly received.

I live in Northern Virginia (just finishing up a four-year term as a Loudoun County supervisor, as I write this on November 27, 2011). If you're in my area and want to talk Java, animation, DirectShow, or politics, let me know. We'll get a coffee at Panera.

Best,
Stevens

[Norm]

Welcome aboard. I'm also a 40+ years of programming type. Most of my working life was as a Systems Programmer for IBM's VM system. Mostly coding in assembly and some in Rexx. All procedural style, never heard of OOP.
After retiring, I started learning java on my own and have been learning more and more each year on this forum.

[stevensrmiller]

Remarkable how many of us who got our starts in the '70s seem to be coming back to coding via Java. Makes me wonder if, during the era of outsourcing, the art of programming kind of skipped an American generation, leaving us middle-agers as the primary domestic resource for experienced coders.

This seems like a good forum. A lot of students apparently asking for help, but if it keeps me fine-tuned, I don't much mind.

Cheers!

[Norm]

if it keeps me fine-tuned, I don't much mind.

There are plenty of sharp programmers here to keep you on your toes.

leaving us middle-agers as the primary domestic resource for experienced coders.

I don't remember ever having time to respond to students when I was working. Us retired OFs have more time now to help than the full time employees.

[stevensrmiller]

There are plenty of sharp programmers here to keep you on your toes.

Oh, my, yes! I haven't had the fortitude yet to venture into the advanced forum. Just getting my act together in the newbies section. Looking forward to being part of the community.