RE: Blind Programmers

Hi Jodi.

I'm a software engineer working in the UK defence industry.
I'm primarily a C++ developer but I know for windows c# is getting more
and more popular.
Again for windows there's only one real player in terms of IDE which is
visual Studio.

I also do a bit of work in Linux but to be honest the way in which you
develop code on Linux hasn't changed in years, its still mostly make
files and text editors. There are some IDE's around but I'm not sure
what's accessible.

In terms of screen readers I'm a Hal from Dolphin fan for windows, and
orca for linux.

Would it not be easier to find out what tools other developers are using
in your department so that you can hopefully adopt the same tool set?
This assumes you've got a software team rather than just you. If its
just you it may be worth finding out what sort of applications your
going to be writing. Is it traditional client based applications which
have Databases on a remote server. If it is then something like c++ or
c#, maybe java would be a good place to start looking. The more modern
way of accessing database type applications is through a web interface
so maybe php, asp and web technologies maybe the way to go. It all just
depends on what you think is going to be needed over the next few years.

HTH.
Nick.


-----Original Message-----
From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Cowle, Jodi
Sent: 27 September 2010 20:59
To: 'programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: Blind Programmers

Hi,

I am a blind programmer for the City of Madison, Wisconsin.  Currently I
program in Progress - which most people haven't heard of.  I started out
using COBOL in 1985 on a mainframe.  Then I programmed in LINC for
several years.  Our applications are now developed on PC's with Windows
XP OS and spread over various servers.

I use JAWS as my primary screen reader, and am slowly trying to learn
and use Window-Eyes.

Over the years my IT department has changed direction.  We no longer
develop systems in one language and database environment.  We mostly
help agencies of the city select packages rather than develop
applications for them.  I still work on old Progress applications, but
they are slowly going away.  A while ago I created a list of things I'd
learned from reading these lists - what people were working with, etc.
But this is outdated.

I am trying to find a place to stay busy and useful in my department,
and also get back some work hours I gave up after my baby was born.
The programming environment is always changing, and is very different
from the way it was when I started working here.
Hence, my appeal.
Would some blind programmers be willing to write to me off list and let
me know what programming languages and development tools you use?  I'd
also be interested in the screen reader or screen readers you use.  This
would help me with my meeting with management.

I appreciate any input you are willing to give me.

Thank you.

Jodi

Jodi Cowle
Information Technology
City of Madison, WI
(608) 267-4911
jcowle@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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