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WeAreDevelopers LIVE • Jan 20, 2021

Java with a Clojure mindset

Dan Lebrero

Adopting a Clojure mindset permanently elevates your Java architecture. Discover how shifting from mutable objects to pure functions eliminates boilerplate, fixes concurrency bugs, and drastically simplifies your code.

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#1 about 2 min

Approaching Java development with a Clojure mindset

Embracing an unfamiliar programming language fundamentally reshapes traditional software design perspectives.

#2 about 3 min

Defining the betting bonus sample application

Exploring a real-world bonus system demonstrates how functional paradigms practically alter enterprise application design.

#3 about 3 min

Pure functions and the cost of side effects

Eliminating side effects simplifies code comprehension and makes future code modifications significantly safer.

#4 about 11 min

Managing state with immutability and atoms

Separating pure logic from state mutations via atoms and structural sharing ensures thread safety without complex locks.

#5 about 8 min

Isolating side effect execution from business logic

Encoding operations as data prevents side effects from tangling with pure functional domain logic.

#6 about 2 min

Managing coeffects using Kafka and event sourcing

Consuming historical events from messaging queues provides necessary historical inputs for making core domain decisions in pure functions.

#7 about 3 min

Implementing the functional core and imperative shell

Isolating domain logic from messy infrastructure integrations simplifies testing routines and eliminates mock object dependencies.

#8 about 5 min

Representing domain entities as plain data structures

Representing domain objects as plain data maximizes code reuse by enabling extensive manipulation via standard core library APIs.

#9 about 2 min

Rapid feedback loops with the Clojure REPL

Modifying a living application via an interactive prompt achieves rapid operational feedback without the overhead of constant recompilation.

#10 about 4 min

Embracing Lisp syntax and metaprogramming paradigms

Recognizing code as simple data structures unlocks the powerful metaprogramming mechanics characteristic of Lisp-family languages.

#11 about 3 min

Lessons learned from adopting a Clojure mindset

Exposing yourself to completely unfamiliar programming concepts ultimately improves your everyday software engineering practices.

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