Another huge difference was how slow compilers were. Programming is a completely different task when you don't mind hitting compile. I remember programming as a kid in the 1980s with my older brother. He would hit compile and we would wait and wait and wait and finally get an error. After a few times he would slam his fists on the keyboard in frustration.

These days I sometimes compile rather than looking up the correct syntax for something.

Fast cycles changes everything. When you don't get up for a cup of coffee during compiles you program differently, learn about your code differently and can think abiout high level design more