We all had that first computer book, the one that opened our eyes to the digital universe. Whether it taught coding, hardware, or just how to make a program run without error, it connected us to a shared experience: the wonder of learning something new and exciting for the very first time.
My first computer book was The Beginner's Computer Handbook: Understanding & Programming the Micro, published by Usborne. I received my copy a few years after its 1983 release, having won a competition and redeeming a book voucher. Below, I’ve posted a picture of the cover for reference:
Back then, my Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K+ felt like a portal to another world. Every line of BASIC I typed was a small adventure, each program a tiny triumph. When I later discovered text adventure games and tools like The Quill, I caught my first glimpse of what it meant to create worlds of my own. Yet through it all, that book remained the spark - the quiet, magical moment that made me believe the digital universe was not just something to explore, but something I could shape myself.
I'd love to hear from others in the DEV Community - what was your first computer book, the one that opened the door to your own digital adventures? Whether it sparked a love of coding, hardware, or game creation, those early pages hold a special kind of magic. Share your memories and let's celebrate those moments that made us fall in love with the digital universe for the very first time.
Top comments (15)
Thank you for sharing this, Richard. It brought back a lot of memories of my time in school. I recall how I first got interested in computers - I remember it started with a simple introduction to what they are, the components, monitors, CPU, mouse, and keyboard (❁´◡`❁) Good ol' days. But I'm still missing my first book that sparked that interest.
When we had computer lectures, I'd often rush to the lab with my friends. During our set time, we'd do our tasks, but afterwards we had the freedom to do whatever we liked, and I always enjoyed experimenting with different things. I remember working with MSWLogo, creating 3D models in Blender, and playing around with HTML tags. That interest eventually led me to web development, and I even started learning the basics of Python. Although I lost touch with it after a while, I'm glad I got to experience that part of my educational journey.
Glad that the post brought back happy memories for you, Aryan!
You mentioning that you are missing your first book made me realise I no longer have mine - must get a replacement copy one day!
I didn't have any books. All I had was chatGPT, documentation, and I read Inigo Quilez's website about computer graphics, math, and all that stuff. Oh, I forgot, there was also YouTube. Real (i.e., printed) books have long since been replaced by all this "internet stuff."
Indeed, Ember, it's an experience not everyone is going to have had, nor can relate to. Those same tools, documentation, websites, and videos got you where you needed to go though!
Lucky you. Indeed! )
Ah, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum! The first computer I ever worked with was a Thomson TO7 (from the same generation). The first book? A GW-Basic manual… I built (among other things) a book management program for my college library in GW-Basic (but on a PC with an i8086 and a dual 5.25" floppy disk drive).
Thanks for sharing, Pascal. I have to admit, I wasn’t aware of the Thomson TO7 before - that’s a new one for me. It’s always fascinating to hear about the different systems people grew up with, especially those that were more regionally popular.
And building a library book management program in GW-BASIC on an i8086 with dual 5.25″ floppies? That’s properly hands-on computing. Those early projects really were the best kind of education.
I have a bunch of these Usbourne books. Last year a youtuber typed a bunch of their game listings in to see what they were like, which is something I was meaning to do for the last million years but was too lazy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73yftr5k4Bo&t=803s
Oh, thanks for the link, Ben! Checking it out now! Love that you have a collection of the Usbourne books - always wanted more myself. Then again, I don't need to worry, Usbourne have PDF versions - Usborne 1980s Computer Books - available for download!
Yeah...
Borland C++ 4.0 :)))
This is a total shot in the dark, Yurii, but wasn't Using Borland C++ 4.0 by any chance?
Found it :)
Tom Swan. Mastering Borland C++ 4.5
Ah, nice! Thanks for sharing, Yurii. Always amazed by the colourful covers on some of these old coding books!
Heh, good question, Yurii. Unfortunately, I don't remember but I suspect it was something to do with IRC (Internet Relay Chat) - probably on the topic of scripting.
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