There were no PCs when I started programming on computers.

Dave Winer’s quote, "There were no PCs when I started programming on computers," reflects his experience during the early days of personal computing. Winer, a pioneer in the tech industry, is noting that when he first began working with computers, the concept of a personal computer (PC) as we know it today didn't exist. Instead, early computing was primarily done on mainframe or minicomputers, which were much larger, less accessible, and required specialized knowledge to operate.

The meaning of this quote highlights the evolution of the technology and the computing industry. When Winer started programming, the landscape of computing was very different, and the tools available to programmers were more complex and less user-friendly compared to the personal computers that became widely available in the 1980s. Winer’s statement speaks to how far the field of programming has come, from the days of large, shared computers to the rise of small, affordable PCs that put computing power in the hands of millions of individuals.

Winer’s experience also points to the rapid advancements in technology, specifically the shift from enterprise-level computing to personal computing. The development of PCs revolutionized the way people interact with technology, making it more accessible and usable for individuals rather than just large organizations. This change had a profound impact on software development, programming, and the broader digital landscape, and Winer was there at the start of these transitions.

The origin of this quote comes from Dave Winer's extensive career in software development and his contributions to the early internet and blogging platforms. As one of the founders of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) and a key figure in the development of early web technologies, Winer’s statement reflects his personal journey through the early, formative years of computing, when the tools and infrastructure for the digital age were still being built. His perspective provides insight into how far the field of computing has come and his role in shaping its evolution.