Learning and Teaching Functional Programming with Adolfo Neto
Nov 23, 2021
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Adolfo Neto, programmer and educator, shares his journey into computer science, teaching at the university level, and his passion for functional programming. He discusses the impact of Elixir, diversity in the tech field, and resources for learning Elixir. Adolfo's goal is to diversify the computer science field and help the Elixir community grow.
Adolfo Neto values LiveBook for beginners, emphasizing its simplicity and no complex installations, making it an effective teaching tool.
Neto's journey into teaching computer science and his transition to functional programming, highlighting the significance of data processing and mathematical functions.
Deep dives
Adolpho Nettu's Experience with Functionality of LiveBook and Teaching Elixir
Adolpho Nettu highlights his appreciation for LiveBook as a valuable teaching tool, especially for beginners, emphasizing its ease of use without the need for complex installations. He discusses the multiple dimensions of LiveBook, questioning the terminology used to define its various aspects. Additionally, Adolpho shares his journey into teaching computer science, starting unexpectedly after completing his master's degree and later pursuing a PhD, specializing in program theorem proving.
Adolpho Nettu's Academic Background and Passion for Functional Programming
Adolpho Nettu reflects on his academic journey, including obtaining a computer science degree and PhD while teaching at a university. He discusses his transition to functional programming, influenced by experiences with LISP and Java, ultimately leading him to favor functional programming due to its focus on data processing and mathematical functions. Adolpho also underscores the significance of functional programming in his teaching approach.
Promoting Women in Computer Science Through Podcasting
Adolpho Nettu shares his involvement in creating podcasts aimed at empowering women in computer science, advocating for increased female representation in the field. He discusses his initiatives, such as Emilia's Ahamasooing Beats, focused on inspiring girls to pursue computer science careers. Adolpho emphasizes the importance of showcasing successful women in tech to encourage greater diversity and gender equality.
Community Engagement and Learning Resources in Elixir
Adolpho Nettu discusses the supportive Elixir community, highlighting resources like Elixir school and Exorcism for learning and practicing Elixir. He recommends exploring the Erlang track for additional insights and mentors. Adolpho also shares his hopes for Elixir's growth, emphasizing the welcoming and positive environment within the community that fosters collaboration and learning.
Today we are joined by programmer, professor, educator, and podcaster, Adolfo Neto! We have a fascinating conversation that continues our exploration of the theme of the impact of Elixir, hearing from Adolfo about his early attraction to computers and computer science, the decision to study the subject, and how this led to a life in education and academia. We also talk about growing up in Brazil and how geography influenced his career trajectory, before getting into some of the main outlets that Adolfo uses to share information on functional programming. He also comments on what he loves about Elixir, why learning it can improve any programmer's skills, and much more. One of Adolfo's main goals with his podcasts and YouTube channel is the diversification of the computer science field, and to bring the subject to a wider audience that may not always consider it an option to pursue. Towards the end of our chat, our guest shares some thoughts on useful resources to check out, and his desire to help the Elixir community to continue to grow!
Key Points From This Episode:
Opening remarks and rants from Adolfo regarding Livebook!
Adolfo's route into teaching and how he became a university professor.
Information on Adolfo's Ph.D. program which he completed at the University of São Paulo.
The initial impetus to study computer science; what drew Adolfo to the field.
Adolfo's YouTube channels and the subjects he covers for his audience.
The course that Adolfo offers on Elixir to students all over the world!
How Adolfo found and learned about functional programming.
Adolfo's thoughts on the benefits of different functional programming languages.
The main goals that Adolfo has for his functional programming classes.
Adolfo's own forays into podcasting, and what drew him to the medium!
Experiences in the South; Adolfo's early days studying the US.
Recommended resources for learning Elixir; the books and sites that Adolfo uses.
Adolfo's hopes for Elixir to keep growing and why he prefers functional programming.
How to connect with Adolfo online and make use of some of his amazing content!