Chicago Ruby Hack Night - Clean Code

Come on out and hack!

Let's try a small problem (http://codeeval.com/public_sc/48/) that we can finish during the hack night so we can work on producing clean, well-structured, well-tested Ruby code that is understandable and easy to change.

Experienced Ruby programmers know the techniques for doing this but always need more practice to do it well. If you're not sure a good place to start is Kent Beck's four rules (http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?XpSimplicityRules) for simple design.

The code must first be correct (passes its tests), then it should be a clear statement of the design (no bad names), then it should contain no duplication (of text, of ideas, or of responsibility), and finally it must be the smallest code that meets all of the above. Another place to start is finding and eliminating "code smells". Some of the smells from Refactoring: Ruby Edition (http://www.informit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321603508) are:

Duplicated Code Long Method Large Class Long Parameter List Feature Envy Data Clumps Primitive Obsession Case Statements Lazy Class Speculative Generality Temporary Field Message Chains Data Class Comments needed to clarify obscure code or bad names All levels of Ruby expertise are welcome, including beginners. We'll pair up to do the Ruby coding.

Just bring yourself and a laptop with Ruby installed.

Our host, Enova Financial, will provide food and drink.

See you there!

What happens at WindyCityRails? Take a look at the WindyCity experience (http://chicagoruby.org/articles/2011/08/13/the-windycity-experience/). Build your technical skills, network with other professionals, and meet some of the sharpest minds in the Rails community. Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011. Learn more at http://windycityrails.org (http://windycityrails.org/) or on Twitter: @WindyCityRails (http://twitter.com/windycityrails).