Friday, October 28, 2011

Functional Program F#


F# is ideal for data-rich, concurrent and algorithmic development: "simple code to solve complex problems". F# is a simple and pragmatic programming language combining functional, object-oriented and scripting programming, and supports cross-platform environments including PC, Mac, and Linux.

How functional program differs from traditional normal programs?

Every computer program takes input in some form and produces output in some form. That input may be generated by keystrokes on the keyboard, from data bytes in a disk file, by a stylus on a touch sensitive screen, or in many other ways. However, when the input reaches the program, it has been converted to bit patterns (and these are equivalent to numbers). The program's output may take the form of characters or images drawn on a screen, data bytes written to a file, sounds emitted by a speaker, or many other forms again. However, the program itself generates only bit patterns to produce all these different kinds of output.
In its simplest form, a computer program inputs numbers and produces numbers as its result. With this viewpoint, a program is very similar in nature to a mathematical function. For example, the line of mathematics
let h = sin(π/4)
could be viewed as a request to evaluate the sine function with π/4 as its input and to use the name h for the output, i.e. the function result.

Microsoft Research Cambridge says, ‘F is for Fun.’ Isn't!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Motivation cont..


As cont to July 31 2010 motivation blog and last week talent blog, glad to share that Chris Alcock and WishMesh recommended my cloud article in CodeProject.

http://blog.cwa.me.uk/2011/09/07/the-morning-brew-932/

http://wishmesh.com/2011/10/2011-links-no-3-2/

Thanks to all my supporters.

This weekend, my paper on Lucene Search programming, got published at CodeProject http://www.codeproject.com/KB/applications/LuceneSearchProgramming.aspx

Swifted my focus towards F#, functional program. It will be covered in the
upcoming weeks.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Talent Is Overrated


Recently, I read the book titled 'Talent Is Overrated'- What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin. Interesting and inspiring points from this book:

• Recent research undermines the notion of genius as innate talent or ability.
• Talent is a factor in your career arc, but it is a poor indicator of your future achievements.
• In terms of excellent performance, sharp focus, hard work and a strong memory seem to matter more than a high IQ. “Deliberate practice” matters most.
• Deliberate practice involves defining a clear goal, analyzing the elements of success and designing a program for becoming excellent in each element.
• You can raise your level of innovation and attainment with deliberate practice.
• The amount of time you practice is the best indicator of your probable success.
• Deliberate practice enables you to perceive, know and remember more about your field.
• Age matters to great performance. Adults can accumulate expertise and resources, but their responsibilities may prohibit long hours of deliberate practice.
• The highest achievers seek copious feedback to help them do better work.
• Great performance is based on deliberate practice energized by intrinsic passion.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

GoogleDoc steps offline



The cloud can be a very good way to serve up data and applications but it is not necessarily the best place to work, day in and day out. We all need to plan for days when there is no Internet connection.

Google is acknowledging that this week. It is beginning the process of giving Google Docs users the option to work offline. It will come in stages. For now, you can have your local versions synched up with the server copies. And eventually, you’ll be able to edit offline and keep them the local data in sync with the server. But not yet. And the offline viewing works only with Chrome for now. Still, it’s a first step.

Users started to see this option over the last few days when they logged into their Google Docs or Calendar accounts; a box popped open in the upper right offering to guide you through the setup. Google Calendar displays a pop up to guide you through offline setup If you miss it the first time, you’ll find the Offline option on the menu that drops from the Settings “gear” icon.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Steve Jobs


Steve Jobs, the transcendent Silicon Valley entrepreneur who reinvented the world's computing, music and mobile phone industries and changed the daily habits of millions around the globe, died on Wednesday 5 Oct 2011 at the age of 56.

His death after a years-long battle with pancreatic cancer sparked an immediate outpouring of tributes as world leaders, business rivals and fans alike lamented the tragedy of his premature passing and celebrated his monumental achievements

"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented," US President Barack Obama said in a statement.

Home page of apple is attached in the image. Hez about to launch iOS 5 on Oct 12 2011.

The 317 Apple patents that list Steven P. Jobs among the group of inventors offer a glimpse at his legendary say over the minute details of the company’s products — from the company’s iconic computer cases to the glass staircases that are featured in many Apple stores.

He is legend in the industry; taught us lot of lessons through his own life. Hats off to his contributions! May his soul in peace.