In article ,
Swingman wrote:

"Larry Blanchard" wrote in message

Of course, some of us remember before networks and even terminals:

1. Write program on coding sheets.
2. Give to keypuncher.
3. Wait - usually at least 24 hours
4. Check deck for obvious errors (after running cards through
interpreter).
5. Hand deck to computer operator.
6 Wait - depending on your priority level.
7. Check results.
8. Find bug - start over.

I could go back to tabulating machines, but most of you wouldn't even
know what those were :-).

You forgot 5a. Drop deck and spill cards on floor ... start over.

That is followed by 5b -- insert sequence number in 'comments' field on
*every*line* on the coding form.

(Then you can just pick up the 'scrambled' deck, make a few passes through
the 'sorter', and have everything back in the right order.)

It only takes one or two experiences with 'un-numbered' decks for the
'wisdom' to sink in. voice of "too much" experience speaking