The interviewee switched from economics to computer science because they found economics uninteresting and struggled to understand it. They had a childhood interest in computers, particularly after being introduced to Flash in elementary school, which sparked their passion for software and programming. After graduating, they felt lost and eventually decided to pursue a career in programming, taking a training course and eventually landing their first programming job.
The interviewee's first programming language was ActionScript 2.0, which they learned while using Flash to create animations and simple games. They bought a book called 'Flash 5 Bible' and taught themselves by experimenting with the software, creating animations and games for their classmates.
The interviewee faced significant challenges when attempting to write their own operating system, including the complexity of modern computers, security settings, and compatibility issues. They found it difficult to create a suitable experimental environment and eventually gave up, deciding instead to focus on understanding Linux kernel code.
The interviewee's interest in computers began in elementary school when they were introduced to Flash in a computer class. They were fascinated by the software and continued to learn it on their own, eventually creating animations and games. This early exposure sparked their lifelong passion for computers and programming.
The interviewee's partner, who was a computer science graduate, played a crucial role in their transition to computer science. They helped the interviewee understand computer fundamentals by teaching them university-level computer science courses and guiding them through exercises, which solidified their knowledge and confidence in the field.
The interviewee uses ChatGPT to learn new technologies like Kubernetes. They feed real-world examples, such as pod descriptions from production environments, into ChatGPT, which then provides detailed explanations and helps them understand the underlying concepts. This reverse learning approach allows them to quickly grasp complex topics.
The interviewee believes that podcasting is difficult to commercialize, especially in China, where most podcasters are amateurs or hobbyists. They have avoided taking advertisements to maintain the integrity of their content, relying instead on donations and personal satisfaction. They acknowledge that podcasting is a niche medium with a smaller audience compared to platforms like short videos.