Functional Programming w/ Drew Barrett (6th Floor)
Details
Can't attend in person? No worries -- catch the livestream at
youtube.com/JavaScriptMN
Ongoing agenda:
6:00 - Food and merriment
6:30 - Lightning Talks
7:00 - Main presentation
"Hey JavaScript, You're Doing It Wrong! " (Drew Barrett)
Functional programming (FP) principles have spread across the JavaScript ecosystem and blogosphere like a magical Array.of pointed functors (<- bad joke). Pretentious jargon aside, most developers' introductions to FP are through a multi-paradigm language like JavaScript or by jumping straight from some such language into a pure functional language. Either approach can be needlessly off-putting. The first can make FP feel verbose, awkward, or even forced while the second can be jarring due to wildly unfamiliar syntax and concepts. By examining how JavaScript's syntax and idioms intersect with FP, how functional JS libraries can help, and how FP is handled in a purely functional language (Elm), we can address this barrier to understanding and enjoying FP.
How will this improve how people work with JavaScript?
As a multi-paradigm language, JavaScript has both aspects that lend it to FP as well as limitations. A better understanding of this intersection will help you know how and when to utilize FP concepts and patterns to your advantage when they might be unnecessary, and ultimately make you a better JavaScript developer.
What is one thing people should know beforehand to better understand this talk?
It is helpful to have a general understanding of some FP basics like currying and partial application; however, I will give quick intros to the concepts I use in the talk.
What are pre-meetup resources that individuals should check out?
Here are some resources that would be useful to check out ahead of time, although not necessary.
Hey Underscore, You're Doing It Wrong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3svKOdZijA
Currying & partial application: https://medium.com/javascript-scene/curry-or-partial-application-8150044c78b8
FP fundamentals: https://medium.com/@cscalfani/so-you-want-to-be-a-functional-programmer-part-1-1f15e387e536
lodash/fp (FP util library): https://github.com/lodash/lodash/wiki/FP-Guide
ramda (FP util library): http://ramdajs.com/
Elm (pure FP language purpose-built for front-end web development):
7:45/8:00 - Free time to discuss, network, hack, etc.
8:30 - Disperse!
Location Notes:
Guest parking lot alongside the building on 5th Street and 5th Avenue. If you choose to park here, sign in and out with the security guard at the main entrance. There is also ample street parking around the building.
You will want to enter the building on the north side (opposite of the rail tracks). Signs will direct you to the elevators and the 6th floor. The building will lock up at 8pm and at that time it will be an exit only situation.
It's always a great event, hope to see you there!
Functional Programming w/ Drew Barrett (6th Floor)