Description

We invite a group of programmers together for a day, give them some legacy code, and help them practise various design rescue and improvement techniques. The ultimate goal is to practise these techniques in a low-stakes environment away from the code base that probably torments you at work.


Which techniques do you mean?

We don’t have a complete list, but most of our techniques revolve around creating and identifying seams in software (places where we can decouple tightly-coupled modules). You will try adding tests, isolating behavior from frameworks, introducing mocks, writing characterisation tests, and some other things we haven’t thought about yet.


What’s the format?

4-6 sessions at 45 minutes each, after which you will throw away your changes and start again.


So, it’s a Code Retreat

So far, mostly yes. The difference is that we have starting code bases for you, rather than asking you to start with a blank slate. Also, we are using the Code Retreat format to teach specific techniques, so we guide your practice more like a (karate) dojo than Code Retreat does.


Will there be pizza?

Never. Only real food. And perhaps beer. Real beer.


Which languages and platforms?

So far, Java, C#, Ruby, Python. We will need some help for code bases in C, C++, Perl. Even SQL is an option. We remain open to suggestions.

Erik Talboom

Erik is a highly experienced software craftsman with a passion for teaching.
His skill set includes Application Lifecycle Management, Agile, Kanban, and Systems Thinking combined with a high degree of coaching skills.
Erik is the driving force behind the Code Retreat community in Belgium. View profile

Adrian Bolboaca

I started developing software in the "normal", at that time, waterfall way. After a while I started reading some books, talking to people and I opened my mind and learned about code quality and code complexity, how one should reduce this complexity. I am very passionate about writing software the right way. Whenever I write code I think about code complexity in its different forms: natural language and naming, duplication of concepts, loose coupling and high cohesion leading to maintainable software and maybe others. View profile

Learning objectives

Topics

March 03

Price

You lucky basterd, it's FREE!

When

March 03
8:30 - 17:30

Where

VUB
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussel
Belgium

Next session

Target audience

Attendees (19/30)

Geert Van Laethem
Louis Jacomet
Wouter De Rijck
Gien Verschatse
Marc Lainez
Alain Ravet
Stephan Huez
Frédéric Berger
Teodora Danciu
Frederik Delbroek
Luc Bos
Yuri Yuri
Sergiu Dumbrava
Linus De Meyere
Johan Vandeweerd
Bart Gauquie
Peter Vandenabeele
Julien MEDDAH
Jérémie Hattat