Trackhost: Obie Fernandez, ThoughtWorks

Obie Fernandez is a Senior Consultant Technologist for ThoughtWorks, one of the world's leading system integrators. Obie specializes in the design and implementation of web-based applications and has extensive enterprise experience integrating large-scale, distributed applications and legacy systems. He is well-respected in the agile and open-source communities, and is a trusted consultant on object-oriented thought, design patterns and best practices, unit-testing techniques and development methodologies. Obie has expert-level knowledge of Java enterprise technologies, but has been focusing lately on pioneering enterprise-level adoption of Ruby-based technology such as Ruby on Rails.

Presentation: "Introduction to Ruby for Java & .NET developers"

Track: What Makes Ruby Roll?

Time: Wednesday 09:00 - 09:30

Location: Conference Hall 2

Abstract:

By now, most Java and .NET developers have at least heard the buzz about Ruby. In this code and demo-heavy presentation, participants will get an introductory-level look at the power and expressiveness achievable using the Ruby language. Emphasis will be placed on the basic Ruby knowledge needed to get started succesfully with Ruby on Rails.

Time permitting, we will explore the way that common OO idioms and design patterns familiar to Java and .NET programmers are realized in Ruby. Other topics that will be briefly covered include building projects with Rake, and testing with Ruby's TestUnit.

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Presentation: "Agile DSL Development in Ruby"

Track: What Makes Ruby Roll?

Time: Wednesday 11:00 - 12:00

Location: Conference Hall 2

Abstract:

The power and expressiveness of the Ruby language make it an ideal host language for developing internal (or embedded) domain-specific languages, highly-readable libraries of application code masquerading as specifications for your program's behavior.

Based on our real-life project experience leveraging Ruby DSLs on agile projects, we will show participants how to involve on-site customers in the evolution of their DSL syntax and how it leads to higher-quality, more correct software. The process of moving from a draft DSL syntax to implementation via TDD will be explained in depth.

Participants should expect to learn how to implement DSLs in Ruby with an emphasis on practical techniques and proven design approaches. Many of the technical concepts behind DSLs are fairly old, but the way that we are applying them using Ruby's metaprogramming features is innovative and will be covered in depth. Ruby on Rails makes an ideal platform for a Ruby DSL-based applications. so practical advice will be given on maximizing use of Rails' unique features.

Finally, Ruby's current limitations and areas for future experimentation and growth will also be an important topic of discussion.

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