Review: “Source Code” by Bill Gay Tsu – Exploring the World of Computer Nerds and Their Struggles

tHe mystery surrounding William Henry Gates III is well-preserved. This book delves into the early years of Gates, from his birth in 1955 to the founding of Microsoft in 1975. The sequel will reveal the next chapter of his story.

The title of the book aptly captures its essence. In the era when only humans wrote computer programs, “source code” referred to the code that powered the programs. Understanding a programming language enabled one to decipher the workings of a computer program.

What can we learn from studying Gates’ journey? Essentially, it narrates the tale of a fortunate young man. He had supportive parents who provided him with the right environment to grow emotionally and intellectually. However, he faced internal battles due to his high IQ, rebellious nature, and anxiety.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Gates acknowledges the challenges he faced in social settings and how his parents supported him. He attended a progressive private school that nurtured his talents.

Notably, Gates and his friends had access to a computer in the 1960s, which was rare at the time. This early exposure to computing led them to develop software and write programs for companies in their region.

Gates’ journey took him to Harvard, where his programming skills stood out. He dabbled with a December PDP-10 but shifted focus when Allen discovered a new microcomputer based on Intel’s 8080 processor.

Together, Gates and Allen ventured into the world of software development, leading to the establishment of Microsoft. Their early success paved the way for future accomplishments.

The book hints at Gates’ institutional expansion and legal battles, setting the stage for what’s to come in the next volume.

The book provides valuable insights into Gates’ formative years, shedding light on his complex personality. His early struggles and triumphs set the stage for his future endeavors.

One of the defining moments in Gates’ life was the tragic loss of his best friend and programming partner, Kent Evans. This loss deeply impacted Gates and influenced his career trajectory.

In a poignant moment, Gates reflects on his conversations with Evans’ father and imagines what could have been if Evans had lived. Their shared vision laid the foundation for what would become Microsoft.