We learned about computers from the inside out. Many of us became interested in computers because they were hackable, open, and without restrictions. We worry that these [new] devices are stifling the next generation of programmers. But can anyone point to evidence that that’s really happening? I don’t know about you, but I see more people carrying handheld computers than at any point in history. If even a small percentage of them are interested in “what makes this thing tick?” then we’ve got quite a few new programmers in the pipeline.
I agree with this for sure. I think a concern is that there is a large barrier to entry — currently, you still need to own a computer in order to tinker. Without the ability to tinker, though, there is still a generation of inquiring minds with easy access to the internet and information about how things work.
Fast forward to a time when you can tinker with these devices. Now young thinkers have easy access to a ton of information and can start applying it immediately.
