Rubyist’s intro to Python web development

I have been using Ruby professionally for more than a decade now. Until recently, I haven’t explored much outside of the Ruby and Rails community. That changed however after I completed a course in Foundations of Data Science. This made me curious about Python and how to build applications using it.

Python and Ruby have many similarities. Both are interpreted, high-level programming languages. Python also has support for Object-Oriented Programming and Functional Programming. In terms of syntax, they have a similar look and feel, aside from some fundamental differences such as Python being indent-driven. Continue Reading

Rubocop + vim

Rubocop + vim

Code linters such as Rubocop ensure consistent, clean code throughout your application. If all developers are using the same linter configuration, then you can be sure that any code that you encounter is organized in the same way regardless of the author.

One challenge in using linters is that it should have immediate feedback, or else it may disrupt the coding flow of the user. For example, you can run the linter manually after you make your changes, but as this is a manual process it can be easily forgotten. Continue Reading

Smelting Yourself

Smelting Yourself

While driving towards home with my family, my younger sister asked me (to make sure I don’t fall asleep), “What is your New Year’s Resolution?“. I paused to think, then replied “I don’t have one and don’t believe in it“.

Explaining further, I told her that changing ourselves should not be tied to a specific date or time. We can start changing ourselves the moment we determine that it is the best course of action. Continue Reading

The Way to Wealth

The Way to Wealth

Benjamin Franklin is not only an American patriot, but his writings are also influential in the personal finance space. His annual journal called the Poor Richard’s Almanack contains gems on how to manage money and how to build your wealth. He summarized it in his essay in 1758 called The Way to Wealth. Here, I will highlight some of the items in his essay that resonated with me and helped me in my financial journey.

“Friends,” said he, “the taxes are indeed very heavy, and, if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. Continue Reading