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RubyConf AU 2014: http://www.rubyconf.org.au Smalltalk is an object-oriented, dynamically typed, reflective programming language. Smalltalk is a "pure" object-oriented programming language, meaning that, unlike Java and C++, there is no difference between values which are objects and values which are primitive types. In Smalltalk, primitive values such as integers, booleans and characters are also objects, in the sense that they are instances of corresponding classes, and operations on them are invoked by sending messages. Sound familiar? Smalltalk leaves a long shadow on the programming landscape and can be considered both as an ancestor and influence on the design of Ruby. This talk introduces Smalltalk to Rubyists and covers software principles which can be applied to Ruby applications, both large and small. Topics include: Brief overview Design Expressions Literals Messages Patterns Reflection
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The video titled "Learning from Smalltalk," presented by Sasha Gerrand at RubyConf AU 2014, explores the significant influence of Smalltalk on the Ruby programming language and shares key lessons that Ruby developers can take away from Smalltalk's design and principles. ### Main Topic: The essence of the talk centers around understanding Smalltalk, its historical roots, and its contributions to modern programming, particularly highlighting how Ruby has been shaped by its predecessor. ### Key Points Discussed: - **Historical Context of Smalltalk:** - Developed in the late 60s and 70s at Xerox PARC by Alan Kay and others. - Inspired by the goal of human-computer interaction rather than traditional programming methods. - The name "Smalltalk" was chosen to be approachable and less intimidating, intended to encourage children to learn programming. - **Influence on Ruby:** - Both languages are object-oriented, dynamically typed, and rely heavily on the concept that everything is an object, including primitive types. - Smalltalk served as a foundational model for the design of Ruby, which operates on similar principles but includes additional features. - **Characteristics of Smalltalk:** - ***Syntax Differences:*** Smalltalk has a distinct syntax, particularly how it handles variables and literals. Unlike Ruby, it does not use regex or commas in array elements. - ***Development Environment:*** Smalltalk integrates an IDE with real-time code editing capabilities, including a class browser and debugger, which enhance the development process. - **Key Advantages of Smalltalk:** - **Virtual Machine Integration:** Smalltalk operates within a powerful virtual machine that allows persistent state management, enabling real-time updates and debugging. - **Real-time Code Inspection:** The development tools in Smalltalk facilitate efficient debugging and profiling, supporting developers in making modifications seamlessly during runtime. - **Exceptional Debugging Tools:** Smalltalk's robust debugging environment is designed to provide comprehensive insights into program state and helps in troubleshooting without the usual overhead. ### Illustrative Anecdotes: - **Historical Anecdote:** The talk references Steve Jobs's visit to Xerox PARC, which led to pivotal developments in macOS, highlighting Smalltalk's influence beyond programming. - **Personal Experience:** Sasha shares a personal moment from childhood when he first encountered Smalltalk, illustrating its lasting impression on his development journey. ### Conclusions and Takeaways: - Smalltalk offers a unique programming environment characterized by its interplay between language and development tools, which Ruby might benefit from adopting. - Aspiring developers and Rubyists are encouraged to explore Smalltalk to appreciate its historical significance and modern-day applications, particularly through open-source implementations like Squeak. - Lessons from Smalltalk can inform Ruby's evolution, particularly in areas like debugging and real-time code management. This exploration not only highlights the foundational principles of Smalltalk but also serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from programming history to innovate within current languages.
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