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Programming Katas

 
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I'm about to turn in for the night but if you google programming katas you'll come upon a website that lists several "katas" for shoring up the skills of being a programmer. I was looking for something similar but for java (the site looks to use Ruby or Python). Any suggestions?

I should mention that if you were trying to gauge my skill level I just sat for the SCJA and I found it challenging. Essentially that cert was just about right for my programming level. I have a CS degree also for what its worth.
[ July 12, 2005: Message edited by: Matt Kidd ]
 
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There are two at http://www.ButUncleBob.com
 
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Matt,
Have you seen the katas from the pragmatic programmers?
 
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I'm confused what is a programming Kata?
Is it a methodology of test driven development?
 
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I am guessing that kata here means a set of fixed movements[exercises] which you practice to eventually master a skill.
The word kata is Japanese in origin and comes from martial arts, especially Karate. In the earlier days Karate training consisted of katas, the fixed sets of movements, and randori the sparring matches.
Cheers.

Sonny
 
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Originally posted by Jeanne Boyarsky:
Matt,
Have you seen the katas from the pragmatic programmers?



yes. Found it about a year ago and now that I just finished taking the SCJA I went back to it. Its not the same page I was looking for as the initial one was also a blog but had several katas that were general logic problems to get you familiar with the syntax and data structures of a particular language.
 
Matt Kidd
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Originally posted by Sonny Gill:
I am guessing that kata here means a set of fixed movements[exercises] which you practice to eventually master a skill.
The word kata is Japanese in origin and comes from martial arts, especially Karate. In the earlier days Karate training consisted of katas, the fixed sets of movements, and randori the sparring matches.
Cheers.

Sonny



exactly. If you check out the link Jeanne posted above it gives an explanation. Quickly, and reiterating what Sonny said, its merely a way for programmers to sharpen, retain, or gain (in terms of learning a new language) skills when it comes to programming. The logic behind programs may be the same but the methods used may be different i.e. strongly-typed language vs a weakly-typed, or Ruby vs Java.

I'm planning on use the Katas as a means to study for the SCJP so I can code more. In studying for the SCJA I learned I'm REALLY rusty. Programs taht would take me 15 minutes years ago are taking me closer to an hour due to lack of practice coming up with logic and not knowing syntax. I need repetition basically.
 
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