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Functional Programming: A Guide for Ruby and JavaScript Engineers

Functional Programming for the Object Oriented

Patrick Karsh
3 min readNov 8, 2023

In the evolving landscape of software development, functional programming (FP) stands as a paradigm that emphasizes the mathematical foundations of computation. For Ruby and JavaScript engineers, accustomed to the imperative and object-oriented paradigms, FP offers a fresh perspective that can lead to more robust, maintainable, and scalable code. Let’s explore how functional programming can complement your existing skills and address both its potential and its pitfalls.

The Functional Panorama

Functional programming is all about pure functions, immutability, and first-class functions. In FP, the output of your function is solely determined by the input, with no side effects to tangle your state. This immutability is a haven in the concurrency storm, where mutable state often equals a multitude of bugs.

Why Should You Care?

As a Ruby or JavaScript engineer, you’re already using FP concepts, perhaps without realizing it. Ruby’s blocks and JavaScript’s first-class functions are gateways to the FP world. By embracing FP fully, you can write code that’s easier to test, more predictable, and often more concise.

The Functional Strengths in Your Code

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Patrick Karsh
Patrick Karsh

Written by Patrick Karsh

NYC-based Ruby on Rails and Javascript Engineer leveraging AI to explore Engineering. https://linktr.ee/patrickkarsh

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