shimon/gatherings

Archived Posts from this Category

Tue
16 Nov 2004
4:04 pm

Hacker Languages Weekend

Posted by shimon under boston , computers/programming languages , kind of writing/event announcements , shimon/gatherings
1 Comment 

I've been itching for some time to learn Python and Ruby. I doubt they'll replace my unabated adoration for Perl, and I love learning new languages, but it's hard to divert myself from a day of productive Perl hacking to learn some new language. So I propose to make this a group event.

For one day, several hackers will get together with the sole goal of learning some new programming languages. We'll each purchase and bring a book, and spend the first half-day reading about a language we don't yet know. The second half will be spent attempting to implement a cool web application of some sort using that language. Ideally, the hackers' existing knowledge will overlap such that at least one person in the room will know each language being learned.

For example, suppose you had three hackers, A, B, and C. Here would be a pretty good mesh of knowledge and ambition:

Hacker Knows Wants to learn
A Perl, Java Python, Ruby
B Python, Perl Ruby, PHP
C Ruby, PHP Perl, Python

I think the collaborative atmosphere would keep us focused, as well as being tons of fun. Requisite infrastructure: a linux server, wifi, couches, and available pizza delivery.

If you'd be interested in doing something like this in the Boston area in the near future, leave a comment on this post.

 

Thu
8 Jul 2004
2:24 am

Brunch at my place this Saturday

Posted by shimon under boston , shimon/gatherings
1 Comment 

I just emailed 43 brunch invitations for this Saturday. If you'll be in the Boston area, and I like you, or I should like you, let me know! If a small fraction of the invitees show up, it should be a great time. Going over the list, I realized how many great people I know.

That is part blatant attempt to flatter any potential brunchers who followed the link to my weblog at the bottom of the email, but mostly honest observation. :)