I started programming when I was 10 and I was instantly hooked. Two years later, my parents got a divorce and my dad took the computer. I only saw him on weekends, but I had to get my programming fix. During the week, I'd write Qbasic programs in a notebook, then type and test on weekends. Eventually I graduated to assembly and C. It was a great way to pass the time in high school health class.
To this day, I still prefer to do a lot of writing before I start typing, though I don't often write the entire program ahead of time. Instead, I'll write the "interesting" bits -- the stuff that's algorithmically complex or otherwise kind of tricky. I find that with nothing but a pencil and a sheet of paper, there are fewer distractions and fewer limitations (comments can readily contain drawings, for example).
To this day, I still prefer to do a lot of writing before I start typing, though I don't often write the entire program ahead of time. Instead, I'll write the "interesting" bits -- the stuff that's algorithmically complex or otherwise kind of tricky. I find that with nothing but a pencil and a sheet of paper, there are fewer distractions and fewer limitations (comments can readily contain drawings, for example).