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.