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Dates with Databases: v.1

I love data and databases. SQL is sexy in my book. I think in relations, joins, and unions. So, what have I decided to do in my spare time? Take a Stanford MOOC with a friend called Introduction to Databases. Here is my attempt to summarize and discuss what I’ve learned each week. Onward!

Week 1: Introduction to Relational DB’s and XML

TERMS

Compositionality: The ability to run a query on a previous query

DML (Data Manipulation Language): A Query language that also includes the ability to modify data

DTD (Document Type Descriptors): A language or “grammar” that specifies what elements and attributes an XML document can contain, how they can nested, and other details like ordering and number of occurrences. DTD’s allow for ID’s and IDREFS which are special attributes that operate as pointers in a document. DTD specifications can go at the top of the XML file or in a separate document.

The Relational Model: Simple model with efficient implementations that can be queried using high level languages. relations == tables tuples == rows attributes == columns key == attribute of relation (unique) domain == data type (atomic or structured) instance == table contents

Query: A question(s) you pose to a DB

XML (Extensible Markup Language): A standard for data representation and exchange AND a data model. It was initially designed to exchange data on the internet and has a streaming format or standard. Its three main components are tagged elements, attributes, and text.

XSD (XML Schema Descriptions): Much like DTD’s, but XSD’s are written in XML. XSD’s are always placed in a separate file. Four features in XSD’s that are NOT in DTD’s: 1) Typed values (string, integer, etc.) 2) Key declarations 3) References 4) Current constraints

QUESTIONS

Why use keys?

1) You can use them to identify specific tuples

2) DB systems build index systems to find tuples efficiently using keys

3) They can be used to point to specific tuples

What does it mean that DB’s support ad-hoc queries?

This means that you can pose queries to DB’s that you do not need to think of in advance.

What does “closure of the language mean”?

This means that you get back the same type of object that you query.

What are the main differences between the relational data model and the XML data model?

RelationalXMLStructuretableshierarchical, tree, graphSchemafixed in advanceflexible “self-describing”Queries simple less so Ordering none implied Implementationnativeadd-on

What are some ways to show parsed XML?

Through the DOM (interface that traverses the tree implied by XML) or SAX ( a stream model for XML).

What are the basic structural requirements of well-formed XML?

That there is a single root element, tags are matched with proper nesting, and that there are unique attributes within each element.

What is valid XML?

It adheres to the requirements of well-formed XML, but also to content specific specifications. DTD’s and XSD’s are two examples of languages for those specifications.

What are the benefits of well-formed XML (loosely-typed data) vs. valid XML? (strongly-typed data)

The latter enables programs and processes using the XML to expect a specific structure, and it serves as documentation to communicate the structure of the data to other parties involved in the data exchange. The formed allows for more flexibility, and will run into fewer errors especially when the data involved is highly irregular.

HOW TO RUN FILES

To validate XML data with DTD in same file

xmllint --valid --noout DataFileWithDTD.xml

To validate XML data with DTD in separate file

xmllint --dtdvalid DTD.dtd --noout DataFileWithoutDTD.xml

To validate XML data against separate XSD

xmllint --schema XMLSchemaFile.xsd --noout DataFile.xml

Online services to validate XML: the W3C Markup Validation Service for DTDs, and the XML for ASP.NET Schema Validator for XML Schema.

NOTES

- Be aware of how you treat NULL in your queries.

- Relational algebra is a “formal” language whereas SQL is an “actual” or “implemented” language, although SQL has its foundation in relational algebra. - XML looks a lot like HTML, but the main difference is that HTML tags describe the format of the data whereas XML tags refer to the content.

- When you want to format data in an XML document you can used a rule-based language (like CSS or XSL) to translate it into HTML.

- All attributes in DTD’s are stringed - Note the similarity with regex in DTD

Syntax Meaning ? 0 or 1 * 0 or more + 1 or more

#coding

Writer's Block

I found an old poem that I wrote in 2009 when I was in college. Maybe I should write a new version called "coder's block." :)

Writer's Block

This pen won't write, or so it seems, This dark and lonely night And though I'll soon be lost in dreams I'll try with all my might To tell of beauty, love, and hate Of roses just in bloom, Of destiny and tricky fate Of death and fear and gloom. I'll write of waters far and wide And sunsets whispering "bye" Of friends and family by my side And a lover's howling cry. I'll speak of music song and dance Of art that brightens life Of lucky stars and hopeful chance Of disappoint and strife. The Lord has given many things To inspire such a rhyme Alas, my friend, my right hand stings And I am wasting time For I must admit the writer's plight That though my thoughts run deep I'll write no poem here tonight And become a slave to sleep.

My Adventures in TDD: Pt. 1

The Task and My Goals

The task: Write the game of Farkle in Ruby and give it a little extra something.

Check out the working repo on Github

After researching the rules of the game, I began by translating the requirements of the challenge into some basic psuedocode.

As my "extra something", I considered making an interactive JS game or a Rails or Sinatra application, but eventually decided that I wanted to take this opportunity to spend time with RSpec and explore TDD. I mean who doesn't want to be this cool? So, I decided I would write simple Ruby files with corresponding Rspec files to act as my unit tests.

To have my code be truly test driven, I went in with the thought that I would attempt to write objects and methods only as I needed them. My goal was to have every new piece of functionality be driven by a test that would fail and then instruct me on the simplest piece of code to make it pass.

Time to Code

It took a bit of time to figure out the ideal Rspec syntax and to weed through resources with varying opinions (Use let! Don't use let! Use expect! etc.), but then I started to get into a groove.

You can see this video of my TDD workflow.

Now you may ask yourself after you watch it, "But, Katy, why did you feel the need to write out a setter method?" I realized my sillyness AFTER I wrote the test and the code, so I threw out both and tossed @current_player into an attr_accessor. Ruby is nice.

Testing is Hard

Well at one point, I got stuck. Scratch that...at several points, I got stuck, but this was tough. Here was my roadblock (png). Although I was writing simple Ruby files, I was still trying to loosely follow an MVC pattern. I was trying to think of what the "play" method would be in charge of doing.

I thought, "Now what? Should I focus on the writing the specs to keep track of the player's score since that's associated with the end of the game? Or should I focus on a turn since I wrote the method to change turns?" I decided to go with the player first because it helped my brain make sense of the direction I was going, but I felt like I was violating my goal to only code something when I needed it.

Some Reflections

- On that note, I have learned that at some point, you just have throw the code or the test on the screen. It is easier to refactor or tweak it when it is out of your head and in front of you, and if you throw it all out...it's not the end of the world.

- I noticed that I was really hesitant to change method names/functionality since I would have to go back and change a lot of tests. Testing does make the code a little less flexible and me a little less inclined to explore. I understand the value and the need to "spike" every one in a while to work out a direction for the code.

- Coming out of group projects at Dev Bootcamp, it felt weird working on my own project and pushing to master. I felt like a reckless rebel!

At this point, the game is not complete, but I am pleased with the direction that my code is going and I am proud of myself for sticking with testing throughout the project. I am really looking forward to getting feedback on my specs and I hope to finish the challenge in the next few days!

Learn Ruby the Hard Way Ex16

I came across a bit of a system curfuffle when completing exercise 16 of Learn Ruby the Hard Way. I will do my best to recap the problem and explain what I did to solve it.

Problem: When trying to run exercise 16, I was getting an error because I wasn't using a recent enough version of Ruby. In exercise 0, Zed Shaw recommends using RVM to install a new version of Ruby, but it wasn't easy peasy.

I already had Ruby and Git installed. This is by no means a how-to for RVM, but it is a list of actions (much of which is from the RVM documentation and Stack Overflow) that got everything working for me.

1.) I determined that I was using Ruby 1.8.(something). I couldn't remember the specific version.

$ ruby -v

2.) Installed Xcode. Under Preferences/Downloads, I installed the Command Line Tools.

3.) I did a system update for my OS, because I needed it. More of a precaution than a necessity? I'm not sure.

4.) I installed RVM:

$ \curl -L https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable

5.) Closed the terminal shell and restarted.

6.) Loaded RVM:

$ source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm

7.) Tested to make sure installation and configuration was successful:

$ type rvm | head -n 1

It should (and did) return the following:

rvm is a function

8.) Checked to see if there were any requirements for my OS

$ rvm requirements

9.) Looked to see what versions of Ruby were available (returns long list)

$ rvm list known

10.) I installed a version of Ruby that was stable and would work for my Learn Ruby the Hard Way exercises:

$ rvm install 1.9.2

11.) Used the new Ruby:

$ rvm use 1.9.2

12.) Checked that it was working:

$ruby -v

It returned this (listing the version I wanted):

ruby 1.9.2p320 (2012-04-20 revision 35421) [x86_64-darwin11.4.2]

13.) I went ahead and set this version of Ruby as my default:

$ rvm use 1.9.2 --default

I encountered some issues along the way, and the process certainly wasn't as linear as this; however, the previous list is my best guess at the most effective actions in getting my program to work.

#coding

David Wondrich of Liqour.com discusses some of the most tasty and enduring ingredient pairings. Seriously some of the sexiest cocktail writing I've ever seen.

"The world’s spirits are like any one of us. They’ve each got their likes and dislikes, and their friends and enemies. Some of them are solitary sorts, not much given to mixing with their peers. Chinese baijiu might be a fascinating and heady spirit when sipped in little (but frequently refilled) thimble-cups alongside double-sautéed pork or salt-baked squid, but just try fixing cocktails with it. (It even makes a lousy Old Fashioned, and nothing makes a lousy Old Fashioned.)

Others are utterly, unashamedly promiscuous. That vodka? It’ll mix with anything; it’s the Vince Vaughn of spirits.

Like the rest of us, though, most varieties of hooch fall somewhere in between. Rye loves sweet vermouth, will mix with brandy if it has to and doesn’t get along at all with dry vermouth. Scotch tolerates sweet vermouth, has a secret affection for all things orange and—well, that’s about it.

Rum and lime enjoy true, undying love, never to be parted, but rum plays around on the side with brandy, bringing a wild funkiness to that spirit’s smoothness. At the same time, lime has a little thing going on with tequila, which in turn engages in a torrid fling with the sweet lushness that is crème de cassis. It’s that kind of world. As the Booze Pours.

Among the strangest relationships is the interspecies ménage à trois pursued by gin, lemon juice and egg white. Here you have gin, a lean, odoriferous sort of liquor with a long and sometimes distinguished pedigree—and yet, it’s an easy, casual mixer. Over here you have the egg white, soft, yielding, even slippery, with only one thing on its mind: a desire to be soundly whipped."

#cocktails

A fantastic TED Talk entitled "Rich People Don't Create Jobs" by entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Nick Hanauer.

TED initially decided not to put this talk on the website because it was too "political." Stepping outside of the political argument, it is incredibly important to look at the economic concern here. It is simple: the economy does well when businesses succeed and businesses succeed if people buy their products and services. Business owners and capitalists will only hire more people when the consumer demand rises to the point of necessity. There is nothing wrong with that (in fact it is a good thing), but that means the CONSUMERS are the job creators NOT necessarily the capitalists. Basic economics.

#community

A programmer will eventually tell you to use Mac OSX or Linux. If the programmer likes fonts and typography, they'll tell you to get a Mac OSX computer. If they like control and have a huge beard, they'll tell you to install Linux. Again, use whatever computer you have right now that works.

-Learn Ruby the Hard Way

#coding

Resources and Thoughts

Skillcrush email bootcamp

Medium (not exclusively programming)

Hey, designer!

Stack Overflow

List of Resources for beginning coders

1. Start coding. Just work on some exercises.

2. Start reading. Sign up for newsletters that seem interesting to you, pick up books about the language that you like, ask people for recommendations.

3. Start connecting. Follow people on twitter, like people on facebook, reach out to those who are above you with questions and ideas.

4. Start making love to Google. Not sure about something? Google it. Need some reading material? Google it. Make it your natural instinct to seek answers through Google.

#coding

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change."

-Charles Darwin

#community

Whiskey Basil Arnold Palmer

Legend (or wikipedia) has it that the famous golfer, Arnold Palmer, was in the habit of drinking tea and lemonade. At the 1960 U.S. open in Denver, he ordered the drink at a bar, where a woman overheard him and proceeded to ask for "that Palmer drink". The rest is histor-tea. Ha!

I have never been a fan of the canned version of the Arnold Palmer drink, but a fresh, homemade version is hard to beat. I was looking to bring a "punch" drink to a birthday celebration where the birthday girl has a particular affinity for bourbon. I adore Columbus' own Middle West Spirits microdistillery, and their smooth whiskey went perfectly with this recipe. It added the depth and flavors I needed, without overpowering those who don't drink much whiskey (babies! Oops. Did I say that?). After looking around for some inspiration, here is my version of a spiked Arnold Palmer.

Look at all of this goodness about to happen. In true Columbus fashion, I purchased all of my ingredients from the Hills Market at Worthington, with the exception of the honey from Honey Health Farms. I discovered that treasure at 400 West Rich St. Market!

For tea snobs out there, don't feel the need to get fancy in this arena. Stick to good old lipton, or black tea bags you have laying around.

Mmm...lemony fresh. I added a little bit of lemon zest too to add an extra kick to the mixture.

And the finished product! I added a bit more bourbon to mine, because that's how I roll.

Whiskey Basil Arnold Palmer Punch (makes 10-12 drinks)

7 cups of water (divided)

4 bags of black tea

6-7 lemons

3/4 cup of turbinado sugar

2 tablespoons of honey

2 cups of OYO Whiskey (pronounced "oh-WHY-oh")

1 cup of fresh basil (reserve some for garnishes)

1. Boil 2 cups of water. Steep the tea bags in the boiling water for at least 5 minutes, then remove and toss out the tea bags (or put them on your eyes after you've slaved over this recipe for a quick depuff!). Add 2 more cups of water and allow the tea to cool.

2. While the tea is steeping, peel 5-6 lemons (saving one lemon for garnishes) and toss the peels into a small/medium saucepan. Then cut the lemons in half and squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl. Strain to remove the seeds. You should have about 1 cup of lemon juice.

3. Add 2 cups of water, the turbinado sugar, and the honey to the saucepan. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the lemon mixture to cool.

4. Strain the lemon mixture into a large pitcher or container, removing all of the lemon peels. Add 1 cup of water and the fresh-squeezed lemon juice to the mixture.

5. Add the tea, OYO Whiskey, and fresh basil (squeeze it a bit to release the aromas) to the pitcher/container and stir. Feel free to add more sugar and/or honey if you would like a sweeter drink.

6. Pour your delicious Whiskey Basil Arnold Palmers into lowball glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a basil leaf. Mmm, enjoy the taste of summer!

**Note: The mixture essentially works out to be a 2:2:1 ratio of tea, lemonade, and bourbon.**

IMPORTANT: Please do not leave out the basil. It really adds a freshness to a drink that is impeccable. Don't be afraid of green things. They are delightful. :)

#Cocktails

"A well-typeset book is a leisurely stroll on a spring day, while a poorly set document is an encumbered march through a muddy field on a rainy day."

-David Bryant Copeland in "Source Code Typography" as seen on Naildrivin' ❺

#coding

explore-blog

Legendary science essayist Stephen Jay Gould, who took his last breath 11 years ago this week, on why making unexpected connections is the key to creativity.

"A good summer cocktail must be simple to assemble, and preferably from memory. It must be sweet and refreshing, but not cloying. It should have a crispness. It should welcome ice and not suffer noticeably as the ice melts. And it must be versatile enough to go with whatever is on the dinner menu."

-As seen in an article by J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press

#cocktails

Grapefruit Mojitos

I admit that I might have chuckled at someone once for trying to order a mojito at the sports bar where I used to work, but that was simply because there was nothing in there that screamed, "Yes, I have fresh mint!" Yet, how could I blame them? Mojitos are still, in my eyes, one of the most refreshing summertime drinks and one of my favorite drinks to make at home.

While doing some cocktail research a week or so ago, my mother peaked over my shoulder and exclaimed with childish glee, "Oooh! What is that? That looks delicious!" as she pointed to a grapefruit mojito recipe I marked on my cocktail pinterest board. Needless to say, those bad boys happened tonight, and they were delicious!

(Forgive the photo quality. I have very limited photography skills and capabilities. God bless Instagram!)

The Ingredients: the brown liquid is Ex's Simple Syrup (my specialty).

A delightful mess. :)

The finished product!

Now, you may look at this mojito and wonder why it is dark, almost muddy in color since mojitos are characteristically clear. In many of my cocktails, I prefer to use simple syrup made from turbinado sugar and a little bit of honey. It adds a depth of flavor that I almost always prefer over the basic simple syrup. The mint leaves are also darker because I used chocolate mint fresh from my mother's garden. I have included the recipe below, adapted from daisy's world's recipe.

Grapefruit Mojitos (makes 4 drinks)

1/4 cup of turbinado sugar

handful of mint fresh, washed (save a few sprigs for garnish)

1 1/2 cups of Ex's Simple Syrup (see recipe below)

4 pink grapefruits freshly squeezed, strained (save one large slice for garnish)

6-8 oz. light rum (Bacardi)

2 limes

club soda

1. Spread the turbinado sugar on a small plate. Run a slice of lime or grapefruit around the rim of a highball glass and swirl it in the plate of sugar to rim the glass.

2. Put 6-10 medium sized mint leaves at the bottom of the glass and pour 1 oz. of simple syrup (add more or less depending on preferred level of sweetness). Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to lightly crush the mint in the syrup.

3. Fill the glass with ice.

4. Add 1.5 oz. of rum, 4 oz. of grapefruit juice, and the juice from 0.5 of a lime. Top it with club soda and gently stir to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a quarter of a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint (give the mint one good slap beforehand to release the aroma).

Ex's Simple Syrup (makes 2 cups of syrup)

1 cup of turbinado sugar

1 tablespoon of honey

1 cup of cold water

1. Place the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium, medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally.

2. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Keep it on the heat for at least 3 minutes and then remove and allow to cool. Store in a sealed container for up to a week.

#cocktails

In my efforts to test and catalog the different resources available for newbie coders, I spent about twenty minutes today playing with the TryRuby resource from Code School. It is great way to introduce yourself to Ruby in one sitting, and you write your own Ruby blog at the end of it! Not to mention the animated characters are adorable and motivational. They called me a "smartiac". Awww shucks!

#coding

Saw this video on civic hacking by the Sunlight Foundation on Skillcrush's website. This is what I aspire to do!

#community coding

Posting my review of Bell's Brewery soon!

#cocktails

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