b4c0n

It recently occurred to me that all of the programmers I know, almost all of them got their start by tinkering in hardware, pulling apart old computers, etc.

Without having done any research on the topic, I'm wondering how many others outside of my personal circle got their start in pulling apart old computers/hardware tinkering etc.

I'm growing to suspect, in spite of rapid adoption of more CS-oriented programs being introduced in schools worldwide, if the relative lack of readily available "hackable" consumer hardware compared to the amount available 10-20 years ago may have an impact on the next wave of programmers - will there be more? Less?

If there's been any research/discussion on this before, by all means let me know. Very interested to read.