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Language as a Tool of Thought: Consistency versus Progress by Victor Shepelev Our programming language is not a mere instrument: it shapes how we think about problems, what we feel right and wrong. But as the Ruby itself changes (and rather quickly, lately), what happens with our understanding and feeling of it? More powerful language is probably good, but how should it stay consistent and true to its spirit without losing the pace of the progress? Let's look closely at some new and upcoming Ruby features, and some missing and rejected ones, and discuss where are we standing currently in regards to consistency and "developer's happiness". #confreaks #rubyconf2019 #rubyconf
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The talk titled "Language as a Tool of Thought: Consistency versus Progress" by Victor Shepelev, presented at RubyConf 2019, delves into the significance of programming languages as tools that shape our cognitive processes regarding problem-solving. The discussion is framed around the Ruby programming language, touching on its evolution and the balance between maintaining consistency and embracing progress. **Key Points:** - **Importance of Language:** The speaker discusses how programming languages, much like natural languages, influence our thoughts and expressions, drawing parallels with the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which suggests that language affects our thinking. - **Spirit of Ruby:** Ruby’s unique characteristics set it apart from other languages like Python and Java. It features blocks and enumerables, which facilitate functional programming and enhance expressiveness. - **Evolving Nature of Ruby:** There’s a necessity to adapt the language for clarity and evolve to address modern programming needs. Historical choices in Ruby may need to be reevaluated, especially as it is frequently employed for larger projects today. - **Language Features and Changes:** New versions of Ruby introduce functionalities that enhance code readability and the flow of operations, like enumerators and pattern matching. These changes sometimes spark mixed reactions among developers regarding syntax and performance. - **Personal Journey as a Developer:** Shepelev shares his personal experiences, including his journey with Ruby over 15 years, underscoring the community's diversity of thought regarding coding practices. - **Future Directions:** He stresses the importance of Ruby continuing to grow, exploring new capabilities while maintaining its core philosophy of expressiveness and clarity. In conclusion, Shepelev emphasizes the need for Ruby to adapt and resonate with its community while upholding its fundamental principles, reminding the audience that programming languages are not static but living entities that require careful evolution.
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