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How to Train Your Scrappy Programmer

How to Train Your Scrappy Programmer

by James Edward Gray II (JEG2)

$44
$44
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Almost every challenge that a programmer faces is in some way unique.  You may have done similar things before, but each application seems to require a new twist.  How can we prepare ourselves for constantly facing unknowns?

Effective programmers train to use whatever is at hand and push forward with determination in spite of obstacles.  In short, they've gotta stay scrappy.  

This bundle is a collection of five interactive guides, each exploring a different problem from the popular internet challenge site Advent of Code.  In these problem solving guides, we will dive into:

  • How to use Livebook, the interactive code exploration framework
  • Gain insights with charts, animations, data tables, and more
  • Uncover four different parsing strategies 
  • Leverage higher level data structures including sets and graphs
  • Employ various optimization techniques, such as working backwards, pre-calculation, and even a little math (binary and middle school)
  • Deploy multiple algorithms:  binary search, point in polygon, flood fill, and more

By the end of these lessons you will have a full array of tools to confidently face all the unknowns ahead.  You might even need to upgrade the old tool belt to a tool box.  

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Who Is This For?

These lessons are intended for any programmer who wants to practice and improve their general investigation and problem solving skills. Expert level knowledge is not required. The free sample includes a code test that will help you decide if you are ready for this content. For those who aren't, links to free guides are included to help get you up to speed.

* This product requires a Livebook installation. There's a free desktop app for macOS and Windows.

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Try Before You Buy

A free sample is available that includes simple installation instructions, the table of contents, an introduction, one complete guide, a conclusion, and the occasional joke or two. Almost all code samples in the guide are written in the Elixir programming language, but know that this is an interactive environment where you can run, edit, and rerun all the code you see inline and view the results live. You are strongly encouraged to explore this sample to see if this content is right for you.

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About the Author

James has been a developer and manager of developers for around two decades. In both roles, teaching programming has always been a big focus of his work. James cares deeply about design, practical examples, visualization of algorithms, and how to train fluency.

James co-wrote Designing Elixir Systems with OTP with Bruce Tate, who's one heck of a nice guy. He has been a prominent member of the Elixir and Ruby communities, delivering books, documentation, and numerous conference talks. He has trained programmers all over the world.

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