Minicomputer Programming
| Field | Computer programming |
| Went Obsolete | Early 1990s |
| Made Obsolete By | The advent of the microcomputer and inexpensive local area networks |
| Knowledge Assumed | Proprietary programming environments and operating systems of various minicomputer companies, such as DEC, Wang, Prime, Data General, etc. |
| When useful | 1960s through 1990s |
Originally, all computers were mainframes (generally based on punch cards). Only large companies could afford the expense and staff needed to operate one. Smaller companies had to rent computer time from service bureaus.
The introduction of the minicomputer allowed smaller companies to have their own computers for the first time.
Minicomputers were less expensive and did not require as large a staff to operate and maintain them as mainframes did.
Each minicomputer company developed their own proprietary operating system and programming tools.
When microcomputers became available with local area networks, their lower cost and availability of standardized operating systems and development tools spelled the end of the minicomputer industry.
