Photograph

How I Unknowingly Learned Programming

Long before I even knew what programming was, I was already developing the mindset for it—through gaming. Looking back, it's incredible how the smallest choices—tinkering with redstone crafts, creating solutions using automation and many more were shaping the foundation for a skill that would define my future.

Renato Dulog

Jul 05, 2025

The contents of this blog are purely based on personal opinions. Any similarities to existing contents are of pure coincidence. Any materials used for the blog belongs to their rightful owners.

Computers and specifically gaming has been a core part of my childhood, it has shaped at most the entirety of my life. However, my parent's didn't have much positive thoughts about gaming as it was only a huge waste of time, but for me it wasn't, and only now that I knew, it geared me to the path I am walking on right now.

Minecraft

I began holding a computer since 2009, and I can proudly say I have played a huge variety of games. Late 2014 or so, Minecraft was the game I played the most, probably out of curiosity as to why most of my peers in the computer shop (pisonet) is playing it.

It didn't take long for me to like the game considering how it's the epitome of the word "creativity". Basically it's a world of blocks where YOU can literally build and do anything.


Redstone

Redstone is a material in Minecraft that simulates electrical wiring and logic systems. It allows players to build automated mechanisms like doors, traps, farms, and even functioning computers. Through its components—such as repeaters, comparators, pistons, and pressure plates—Redstone introduces players to the basics of circuitry, timing, and logic control, all within the game's creative environment.


You can also watch this youtube video for further explanations:

Credits To The Owner

Redstone Engineer

A Redstone Engineer is a Minecraft player who specializes in building complex systems using Redstone mechanics. These players design everything from simple switches to intricate machines like combination locks, sorting systems, and fully automated farms. It’s a role that requires critical thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of how Redstone logic behaves—similar to how real-world engineers or programmers approach problem-solving and system design.


Basically, it's an imitation of circuitry and engineering inside a game. And when you combine both that and the ability to create anything in the game, you'd be surprised how far and amazing this goes.


Back To The Story

There are a lot that you can do inside the game. Building, slaying enemies, farming, beating the game lore, or even exploring. But building had always been where I found fun, not just the normal type of building where you create houses and whatnot, but complex and awesome machineries. I would incorporate automations on my houses, smelting, defense systems to ward off enemies, and many more.


Thanks to the constant practice of logic gates and problem solving in Minecraft, I learned how different inputs could control outcomes—how systems could be built from simple rules. What felt like just trial and error back then was actually training me to think logically, laying the groundwork for how I approach programming today.