Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman Nature of Code with Daniel Shiffman
Aug 29, 2024
Daniel Shiffman, a pioneer in teaching coding and creative computing, discusses the evolution of his project 'Nature of Code.' He recounts the journey of transforming a self-published book and the collaboration involved. Shiffman also dives into neural networks and neuro evolution, emphasizing accessibility in learning. He shares insights on balancing open education with revenue and the shift from traditional software models to modern frameworks like P5.js. Overall, the talk celebrates creativity in coding and its role in generative art.
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Nature of Code Origins
- Shiffman's "Nature of Code" project started in 2001, inspired by courses on physics modeling and generative art at NYU.
- He initially self-published the book after teaching a class with the same name, aiming for a continually updated online resource.
No Starch Partnership
- Shiffman self-published "Nature of Code" via Kickstarter but didn't update it as planned.
- Partnering with No Starch Press allowed for a higher quality print version, JavaScript updates, and better project management.
Neuroevolution
- The new edition includes an expanded chapter on neural networks and a new chapter on neuroevolution.
- Neuroevolution offers a playful, accessible way to explore machine learning by evolving behaviors in simulated agents.