From Terminal Warrior to Game Developer: My Journey in Programming

As I sit down to write this blog post, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the winding path that has led me to where I am today a passionate programmer and aspiring game developer. My journey in programming began over a decade ago, when I first dipped my toes into the world of Linux.

Around 12 years ago, I stumbled upon Linux and was immediately captivated by its power and flexibility. Becoming a "terminal warrior" felt like discovering a secret realm where I could command my computer with precision and finesse. It wasn't long before I found myself tinkering with bash scripts and delving into the basics of Python programming.

However, as much as I enjoyed the thrill of coding, the reality of bills to pay led me to prioritize my career in concrete work. For years, I poured my heart and soul into mastering the craft, finding satisfaction in the tangible results of my labor.

But fate has a funny way of nudging us back onto the path we're meant to follow. In the fall of 2023, an injury forced me to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities. It was during this period of reflection that I realized: it was time to reignite my true passion for programming.

With determination and a hunger for knowledge, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through online education. My first step? A Python course offered by the University of Michigan on the Coursera platform. As I immersed myself in the intricacies of the language, I rediscovered the joy of problem-solving and the thrill of seeing my code come to life.

But my journey didn't stop there. As I explored different paths within the vast landscape of computer programming, I found myself drawn to the elegance and expressiveness of the Ruby language. Its syntax resonated with me in a way that Python never quite did, and I knew I had found my programming soulmate.

With Ruby as my companion, I ventured into the realm of game development—a realm where creativity knows no bounds and imagination is the only limit. Armed with newfound skills and a relentless passion for creating interactive experiences, I dove headfirst into the world of game design.

Today, as I look back on my journey, I'm filled with gratitude for every twist and turn that has brought me to this moment. From my humble beginnings as a terminal warrior to my current pursuit of game development, each step has shaped me into the programmer—and the person—I am today.

And as I continue to chart my course in this ever-evolving field, one thing remains clear: my journey in programming is far from over. With each line of code I write and each game I create, I'm reminded that the true joy lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself.

Thank you for coming to see what all my journey has been thus far.

Andrew