Afterthoughts - Haskell/STM Dojo

Yes, it was shady this time too

Wouldn't it be fun if you knew how to implement those trendy NoSQL database engines like MongoDB?

Well, as it happens that's what the dojo held by our code wizard Zouppen taught us. He illustrated the concept of Software Transactional Memory using Haskell Platform and as a side result came up with a NoSQL database engine.

Just like the last time each participant (around ten) got to code something. And I think everyone got something out of the event. There were plenty of Haskell beards around (without beard for some reason) and a couple of new faces even. Thanks for popping by!

In case you missed the event, check out the sample code. It describes our database scheme. You can run the database server even if you have the right dependencies installed. It's an in-memory storage so don't put anything too important there. You can exercise the server quite easily using extensions such as RESTClient (Firefox) or REST Console (Chrome). If you are hardcore, you'll use curl or something.

The packages needed to run the thing should be available as standard Ubuntu packages. Otherwise you might want to look into setting up Haskell Platform. If you are an absolute beginner, Learn You a Haskell is a nice starting point.

Dojo - Haskell/STM at Hemingways (Mon May 13th 18:00-)

There is a lambda somewhere, I am sure of it
by trindade.joao (CC BY)

There is a theory according to which whole universe is just a computer simulation. It would not surprise me if they used Haskell to run this simulation.

If you want to know what STM is in the context of Haskell and are not afraid of the lambda, show up at Hemingways on May 13th 18:00-. Our guru Zouppen will show how to apply this concept. And the fun thing is, it's useful beyond Haskell!

It is recommended that you will at least try Haskell before the dojo. I can guarantee it is one of those languages that will twist your brain a little bit. And it won't be entirely comfortable. But after you start to understand the beauty of the language, nothing will ever be the same again.

According to the Doodle there is still room for a few peeps. If you know someone who might be even remotely interested in the topic, try dragging the person there with you. And given the dojo is held at Hemingways you won't have to leave with a dry throat and you might have a couple of new ideas as well. So double win!

Upcoming Dojo - Haskell/STM

Zouppen, a local Haskell guru, has promised to enlighten us on that particular topic. He will also cover STM. If you don't know what these things are or how they work, here's your chance!

Now that I got your attention, go and pick suitable times over at Doodle.

Node.js Streams Dojo Afterthoughts

Yes, it was nice, shady and nyan

Code, cold drinks and company. What else does a geek need? Not much apparently. Big thanks to our Node.js guru Esa-Matti Suuronen. The premises provided by Hemingway's Jyväskylä proved to be adequate at least. Let's say something casual like this seems to fit the sprit of dojo well.

This time we worked one at a time on the laptop while others remained in a managerial role. So we got double the experience. During the dojo we went through six more or less challenging tasks concocted by our sensei.

Even if you weren't there I do recommend checking them out. If you get stuck, just poke us at #geekcollision over at IRCnet. You are bound to learn a lot even if you know how streams work already. A couple of pointers to help you get started:

• Readable = source, Writable = sink, Transform = filter in Unix terms. It's just a dataflow architecture.
• In order to terminate a buffer, just push "undefined" (simple "push()" should do)
• Node's "pipe" is equivalent to that "|" you likely know already
• It is possible to stream nyancats
• Wise guys read documentation

EDIT: There is a set of really nice photos available by Daniel Schildt. Thanks a lot!

Upcoming Events

Remember the data mining session at Protomo on Friday (9-11). On 22nd there will be HackJkl and on the following day the highlight of the year, AgileJkl.

Node.js dojo today!

Just a reminder today we'll be having a coding dojo about node.js streams at at Hemingways (9.4, 18:00-).

No need to bring own computers. We'll be using just one and we'll switch turns. Also don't stress if you don't know anything about node.js or even Javascript. Just bring an open attitude and you'll do fine. We'll help you if you get stuck. Point is not to test anyone's skills but to discuss the code we're doing together.

See ya!

HackJkl at Innova 1 building, Piippukatu 11 (22nd April 2013, 12:15)

Ever wondered how to make music with emacs and Clojure, what the internals of Git look like or if functional reactive programming could make you just a tad happier? This is your lucky day since HackJkl will you bring you just that information and then some.

The programme:

• An Introduction to Functional Reactive Programming by Tuomas Kareinen
• Clojure in real life by Mikko Heikkilä
• Git internals John Britton (Github)
• Hacking the DJ by Sam Aaron

Additional things on the agenda: sauna, fun, meeting awesome people.

Now, because of the limitations of the venue, we only have limited number of seats. Therefore, you need to register to the event.

More details and registration on the event site http://agilejkl.com/hackjkl/

Dojo - Node.js Streams at Hemingways (9.4, 18:00-)

His name happens to be Hemingway
by Valentina_A (CC BY-NC-SA)

The people have spoken. And as you know they are always right. This time Esa-Matti Suuronen will show us how to get most out of recently revamped Node.js streams.

After this session you should have a better idea of how to do streamy things using Node. That can't be a bad thing. Piping and all that stuff is right on our alley.

This time we will have the event on a more casual location, Hemingway´s Jyväskylä. See you there on 9th of April around six PM. Be sure to bring your laptop. It is likely beneficial to have a recent version of Node.js installed as well.