From: Rein Henrichs <reinh@...>
Date: 2010-06-08T02:10:07+09:00
Subject: Re: Very simple programming exercises

On 2010-06-07 04:45:51 -0700, Rick DeNatale said:

> On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 7:35 AM, Jacob Mitchell
> <jacob.d.mitchell@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Search for "code golf". �I personally have enjoyed
>> http://golf.shinh.org/because the problems tend to be very simple. �It
>> helps you learn the pros
>> and cons of various languages.
>> 
>> -Jake
> 
> I strongly disagree that code golf is a good learning exercise for a beginner.
> 
> The first goal of newbie should be to learn to write clean understandable code.
> 
> Code golf, where the goal is to write a program in the minimum of
> characters, might be an interesting intellectual exercise, but it
> leads to writing cryptic code which is just the opposite of what a
> beginner should be learning.
> 
> Besides Dave Thomas code katas which Ryan mentioned. It might be
> worthwhile to have a look at the old RubyQuiz site
> 
> http://rubyquiz.com/
> 
> --
> Rick DeNatale
> 
> Blog: http://talklikeaduck.denhaven2.com/
> Github: http://github.com/rubyredrick
> Twitter: @RickDeNatale
> WWR: http://www.workingwithrails.com/person/9021-rick-denatale
> LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdenatale

Agreed on all points, Rick. Ruby Quiz is a treasure trove of 
interesting Ruby problems and solutions. Also, code katas as mentioned 
previously are a great way to train your "muscle memory" and ingrain 
proper idioms and techniques. Highly recommended.

-- 
Rein Henrichs
http://puppetlabs.com
http://reinh.com