Bill Gates recently took part in his ninth Reddit AMA.
Ever wondered if Bill Gates could still write the code that made him a billionaire? As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is considered to be one of the pioneers of today's home computing, but he admits that his programming skills are now a little "rusty".
Bill Gates, 65, took part in a Reddit 'Ask Me Anything' or AMA session following the publication of his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.
During the AMA session, he answered a number of queries from curious fans and touched upon a number of topics, including the importance of synthetic meat and electric cars in combating climate change.
But when one Reddit user asked Mr Gates if he still coded on his computer, the billionaire said his coding skills were now rusty, although he still loves trying new tools.
"My code no longer goes into shipping products so I am rusty," wrote Bill Gates. "I do like to try the new tools to understand how they help. I just did a review of the low-code tools where there is a lot of great innovation."
I'm Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and author of “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.” Ask Me Anything. from r/IAmA
Bill Gates has been fixated on programming since he was 13. "I was 13 years old when I fell in love with programming," he wrote on his blog, Gates Notes, in 2018. "My friends and I would spend hours creating new programs and plugging away in BASIC," he said, adding that the introduction to computer science changed the course of his life.
Mr Gates shared his views on the importance of niche technologies during his AMA session. "We need a lot of technologies - synthetic meat, energy storage, new ways of making building materials...
We want to be open to ideas that seem wild. Fusion might come along but we can't count on it," he said.
An avid reader, he also recommended a few books to Reddit users tuning in. Obama's autobiography he dubbed "good", while Overstory by Richard Powers also got a mention as "great fiction".
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As an expert in technology and computing, I've closely followed the career and contributions of Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft. Gates is renowned as one of the pioneers of home computing and has significantly shaped the technology landscape. His involvement in software development and his pivotal role in establishing Microsoft as a powerhouse in the industry are well-documented.
Regarding the recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session by Bill Gates, it's evident that while he might not be actively coding for shipping products anymore, his deep-rooted passion for technology remains palpable. Gates acknowledged his love for programming from an early age, expressing how it changed the trajectory of his life when he started delving into computer science at the age of 13, primarily coding in languages like BASIC.
In his AMA, Gates emphasized the importance of technological advancements in combatting climate change, highlighting the need for various innovations such as synthetic meat, energy storage solutions, and novel building material manufacturing techniques. His mention of exploring and reviewing low-code tools showcases his ongoing interest in understanding how new technologies can be leveraged.
Additionally, Gates's penchant for reading was evident as he recommended books during the AMA, such as Barack Obama's autobiography and "Overstory" by Richard Powers, reflecting his diverse interests beyond technology.
Breaking down the concepts used in the article:
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Reddit AMA: An online interactive interview session hosted on Reddit, allowing users to ask questions to a particular individual or group.
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Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft, renowned for his contributions to home computing and technology innovation.
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Programming Skills: Gates' early proficiency in programming, notably in languages like BASIC, and his acknowledgment that while he doesn't actively code for product deployment now, he still explores new tools and technologies.
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How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: Gates' book addressing the urgent need for technological innovations to combat climate change.
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Synthetic Meat, Electric Cars, and Niche Technologies: Gates discussed the significance of various technological solutions, like synthetic meat, energy storage, and alternative building materials, in addressing climate change challenges.
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Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Gates' philanthropic organization, co-chaired with his former wife, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
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Obama's Autobiography and "Overstory" by Richard Powers: Books recommended by Gates during the Reddit AMA, reflecting his broader interests outside of technology in literature and social issues.
Bill Gates's journey from a programming enthusiast to a tech visionary and philanthropist continues to inspire generations, showcasing the impact of technology on society and the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges.
