An anecdote about backward compatibility
10 days ago
- #debugger
- #documentation
- #IBM System 370
- The author worked on a debugger program for IBM System 370 software.
- The debugger initially had a black and white display, but the author wanted to add color highlights.
- The office lacked online manuals, relying instead on physical binders, leading to difficulties in finding necessary documentation.
- The author recounts the challenges of obtaining manuals, including hiding and borrowing practices among colleagues.
- The author eventually found the necessary IBM Assembler Product Macro Reference Document but was puzzled by the default color setting being black instead of white.
- The article reflects on the quirks and challenges of working with older IBM systems and documentation.