Introducing Programmer Playing Cards: Shuffle Up and Deal Out Some Computer Science History
As programmers, we stand on the shoulders of giants who spent decades researching, innovating, and pioneering the technologies and techniques we use every day. Now there‘s a fun new way to get to know and appreciate these legends of computer science history: Programmer Playing Cards.
This unique deck of 54 playing cards, currently in production, celebrates great programmers from Ada Lovelace to Satoshi Nakamoto. Each card features a programmer‘s photo, major accomplishments, and a memorable quote, brought to life with a stylish, minimalist design by freeCodeCamp contributor Phoenix Abhishek.
"We‘ve chosen to honor 54 of the most influential programmers from the past two centuries," said freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson. "These are the pioneers who shaped programming as we know it, from designing the first computer algorithms to developing the languages and frameworks that power today‘s software."
Stacked Deck of Programming Legends
The Programmer Playing Cards are meticulously researched and organized, with the historical programmers occupying the Aces and court cards, and more modern figures filling out the number cards. Here are a few highlights:
The Ace of Spades, often considered the highest card, fittingly goes to Ada Lovelace, who wrote the first complex computer algorithm in 1843 [1]. On the King of Spades is Alan Turing, whose groundbreaking work in the 1940s laid the foundations of modern computing [2].
Other court cards honor computing pioneers like Grace Hopper, inventor of the first compiler, Steve Wozniak, creator of the Apple I and II, and Bill Gates and Paul Allen, co-founders of Microsoft. The lineup represents an impressive cross-section of programming history:
| Programmer | Era | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Ada Lovelace | 1840s | First computer algorithm |
| Alan Turing | 1940s | Turing machine, codebreaking, AI |
| Grace Hopper | 1950s | First compiler (A-0), COBOL |
| Steve Wozniak | 1970s | Apple I and II personal computers |
| Bill Gates & Paul Allen | 1970s-80s | MS-DOS, Windows, Microsoft empire |
In the number cards, we have programming revolutionaries like Guido van Rossum, inventor of Python, Satoshi Nakamoto, creator of Bitcoin, and Linus Torvalds, lead developer of Linux. Quotes from these legends reveal their wit and wisdom:
"I didn‘t work hard to make Python perfect for everyone, because you feel differently from me. So I just tried to make it perfect for me." — Guido van Rossum
"I think it‘s very important to have a feedback loop, where you‘re constantly thinking about what you‘ve done and how you could be doing it better." — Elon Musk
A Full Stack of Inspiration
For full-stack developers, the Programmer Playing Cards offer insight into all layers of computing history. You‘ll find:
- Machine learning pioneers like Arthur Samuel, who wrote the first self-learning checkers program in 1959 [3]
- Assembler and compiler innovators like Kathleen Booth, who developed some of the first assembly languages in the 1940s [4]
- Programming language creators like Rasmus Lerdorf (PHP), James Gosling (Java), and Brendan Eich (JavaScript)
- Web development visionaries like Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, and Håkon Wium Lie, who proposed CSS
Studying the breakthroughs of these trailblazers offers valuable perspective for modern developers. "Learning programming history has made me a better coder by showing how even small innovations can have a huge impact," said Jessica Singh, a full-stack engineer in Silicon Valley. "It‘s amazing to see how ideas like stored programs, pointers, and packet switching developed decades ago are still integral to the software I‘m building now."
The State of Programming
With the meteoric rise of the tech industry, programming skills have never been more valuable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% growth in software developer jobs from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations [5]. And globally, there are now nearly 27 million developers, a number expected to swell to 45 million by 2030 [6].
As the field expands, appreciating its rich history becomes even more important. "I think all programmers can learn a lot from early pioneers, who found incredibly creative ways to solve problems with very limited tools," said Larson. "Their stories are inspiring reminders that you can build amazing things in spite of constraints if you think outside the box."
Built to Last a Lifetime
Programmer Playing Cards aren‘t just educational—they‘re also made to last. Unlike flimsy paper cards, these are printed on high-end PVC plastic. At 166 grams (6 ounces), they have a satisfying heft and are practically indestructible.
"PVC cards are incredibly durable," said Larson after subjecting a sample card to rigorous testing. "You can bend them, get them wet, even take a lighter to them. They‘re a favorite of card players and magicians for a reason."
The ultra-durable construction means you can put your Programmer Playing Cards through their paces at poker night or on long flights with no worries. They‘ll hold up through years of use while you gradually absorb computer science history through osmosis.
Claim Your Free Deck
To share this celebration of programming history, freeCodeCamp is shipping a free deck of these Programmer Playing Cards to all current and new monthly supporters. Donations help cover the manufacturing costs and make freeCodeCamp‘s coding education resources accessible to millions.
"For roughly the cost of a fancy coffee each month, you can support our nonprofit‘s mission and get an awesome, one-of-a-kind keepsake," said Larson. "I can‘t wait to see our community break these out at meetups and conferences."
Monthly supporters can expect their limited edition Programmer Playing Cards to be delivered by April 2019. Just take a moment to confirm your mailing address after signing up to donate.
Designed to Perfection
Creating the Programmer Playing Cards was an intensive process involving historical research, graphic design, and production logistics. The team pored over hundreds of programmer biographies and interviews to select the featured individuals and quotes.
freeCodeCamp designer Phoenix Abhishek devoted weeks to crafting the card faces. "My goal was to create a timeless, minimalist design that would really make the programmers shine," he said. "I used a simple color scheme and crisp, readable fonts so the information is easy to absorb."
The cards are expertly printed by the U.S. Playing Card Company, makers of Bicycle, Bee, and other top brands. The company uses a state-of-the-art process to print vibrant, long-lasting graphics on flexible, waterproof PVC [7]. Each deck is packaged in a classic flip-top box with a linen finish.
"We‘ve gone all out to make these the coolest, highest quality programmer playing cards possible," said Larson. "I think they‘ll be treasured collectors‘ items for years to come."
Learn, Play, and Be Inspired
Of course, Programmer Playing Cards aren‘t just a clever novelty—they‘re an invitation to dig deeper into the history of computer science and be inspired by those who came before us. Every deck comes with a link to learn more about each featured programmer.
By getting to know these pioneers as people, not just names, we can greater appreciate the dedication, creativity, and ingenuity that drove the digital revolution. Their tireless efforts transformed the world and established computer programming as the most influential field of the modern age.
"The programmers we chose faced immense challenges and setbacks," said Larson. "But they persevered and left an unbelievable legacy. That‘s something every programmer can learn from, regardless of the languages they use or the kind of software they create."
So gather some fellow code junkies, break out a deck of Programmer Playing Cards, and ante up for an evening of spirited programming discussion. As you shuffle through the giants of computer science history, savor the chance to walk among legends—and bet big on the next generation of programming pioneers. The best is yet to come.