Functional Thinking

Learning the syntax of a new language is easy, but learning to think under a different paradigm is difficult. This video from renowned software architect Neal Ford helps you transition from a Java-writing imperative programmer to a functional programmer, using Java, Clojure and Scala as examples.

Rather than focus on specific language features, Functional Thinking looks at a variety of common practices in OOP languages and then shows you how to solve the same problems using a functional language. For instance, you know how to achieve code-reuse in Java via mechanisms such as inheritance and polymorphism. Code reuse is also possible in functional languages, using high-order functions, composition, and multi-methods.

Ford encourages you to value results over steps, so you can begin to think like a functional programmer. Expect your mind to be bent, but you’ll finish with a much better understanding of both the syntax and semantics of functional languages. This video is ideal for any experienced programmer.

Topics include:

• Shifting Paradigms: Filter, map, reduce
• Ceding control: Currying and partial application; recursion
• Evolution: Memoization; closures
• Nailgun-driven development: Concurrency, Function composition, coupling vs. composition, functional data structures, monads
• Bendability: Dispatch, meta-programming, DSLs, macros
• Why you should care