CodeRetreat is a day-long software development training event that focuses on fundamentals and design through intensive practice. It follows a structured format of sessions with changing partners, using test-driven development and simple design principles. The goal is to practice skills outside normal work constraints in a supportive environment.

1. CodeRetreat
Wix.engineering
Vaidas Pilkauskas (@liucijus)
Ittai Zeidman (@ittaiz)

2. History
Codemash conference 2009
Gary Bernhardt
Patrick welsh
Nayan Hajratwala
Corey Haynes

3. Coderetreat is a day-long, intensive practice
event, focusing on the fundamentals of software
development and design.

4. Coderetreat is our chance to practice outside of
work constraints.

5. Day format
● Intro (15 min) - We are doing it now
● 3 sessions
● Nice long lunch
● 2 sessions
● If you have enough energy - one additional session
● Closing circle

6. Delete your code!

7. For each session
● Find a new pair partner! Avoid pairing with colleagues you
work daily
● It is advisable to try other languages. But one in the pair
should be experienced with chosen language
● Do not try to finish the problem
● Focus on practicing

8. Four Rules of Simple Design / TDD cycle
● Passes the tests
● No duplication
● Reveals intention
● Fewest elements
● Write a failing test (make it red)
● Write minimal amount of code to pass
it (make it green)
● Refactor - improve design without
changing functionality

9. Game of Life
1. Any live cell with fewer than two live neighbours dies, as if caused by under-
population.
2. Any live cell with two or three live neighbours lives on to the next generation.
3. Any live cell with more than three live neighbours dies, as if by over-
population.
4. Any dead cell with exactly three live neighbours becomes a live cell, as if by
reproduction.

10. We are here to have fun - be awesome
to each other

11. Closing Circle
What, if anything, did you learn today?
What, if anything, surprised you today?
What, if anything, will you do differently in the future?