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RubyConf AU 2016: Ruby makes programmers happy because of its elegant style and readable code. Rubyists like code that looks "right". Clever hacks and obscure use of syntax are frowned upon, and code linters and metrics are used to enforce a clean and idiomatic style. But there's a danger in this attitude. Innovations may look foreign at first, and by discarding them offhand we may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. On the flip side, libraries providing good looking interfaces may be smuggling complexity into your project that is hidden underneath the surface.
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In this talk, titled "Burn Your Idiomatic Ruby" at RubyConf AU 2016, Arne Brasseur explores the concept of idioms in the Ruby programming language, focusing on their significance, evolution, and the potential pitfalls of adhering too rigidly to idiomatic practices. ### Main Topic The discussion revolves around idiomatic Ruby, which refers to the conventions and patterns that define how Ruby should be used by its community, emphasizing readability and elegance in code. ### Key Points Discussed - **Definitions of Idioms**: The speaker distinguishes between two meanings of idioms: - The first meaning involves colloquial expressions that are unique to a language group. - The second meaning pertains to patterns and conventions specific to programming languages, particularly Ruby. - **Examples of Ruby Idioms**: Brasseur provides examples of Ruby idioms, highlighting how experienced Ruby developers recognize common patterns such as memoization and precondition checks. - **Variability and Evolution of Idioms**: The presentation discusses how idioms can vary across different Ruby communities (e.g., Ruby Core vs. Rails) and evolve over time, shaped by historical contexts and community practices. - **Historical Context**: Brasseur differentiates between early, middle, and modern Ruby periods, highlighting the influence of the Rails framework on popularizing certain idioms and encouraging code consistency. - **Importance of Idiomatic Code**: The speaker emphasizes that idiomatic code increases readability, reduces cognitive load, and promotes project coherence, thus making collaboration easier among developers. - **Influence on Idiomatic Practices**: He notes that while the Ruby Style Guide offers a set of common practices, there are influential figures in the community shaping idiomatic rules. - **Challenges for Novice Developers**: Brasseur warns that strict adherence to idiomatic rules may hinder innovation, particularly for new Rubyists who may interpret these as mandatory rather than stylistic guidelines. - **Evolving Programming Landscape**: The discussion touches upon new paradigms and the influence of languages like Go and Elixir on Ruby, suggesting that as programming evolves, so must the idioms of Ruby. ### Conclusions and Takeaways - Idioms are not static; they are fluid and subject to change as the language and its community evolve. - Developers are encouraged to express their own coding style while being mindful of idiomatic conventions, understanding that "idiomatic" does not necessarily mean "quality." - Brasseur advocates for a balance between following idioms and embracing creativity in coding, allowing developers to find their unique voice within the Ruby language. The presentation encourages Rubyists to remain open to innovation, urging them to evaluate code beyond its surface-level idiomatic appearance and to seek depth and value in their coding practices.
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