An Introduction to Functional Programming Concepts for Java Developers
Having not really explored functional programming before, I found the following presentation by Jim Duey to be a great introduction.
Through examples in Java, he presents a rundown of the basic functional programming concepts (Higher Order Functions, Laziness, Composition).
It was great for establishing a sense of how programming in a functional language can:
- improve code design, and therefore testability
- afford reuse and parallelism
- encourage thinking at a higher conceptual level
- fit naturally into an agile context
I hope that others may enjoy it too!
How To Access Aberystwyth University’s Cascade Calculator Without A Link
The University make the cascade calculator available for third year students in their final semester. Once you’ve graduated, the University removes the link. If you’ve graduated and are curious about your final degree, you can still access the cascade calculator it by doing the following:
- Log into your student record
- Paste the following link into your browser – https://studentrecord.aber.ac.uk/en/cascade.php
You should be able to see your full results and final degree percentage until graduation 
Hope this helps!
Graduation!
After four years at University in Wales my time as a student is finally coming to an end! All that remains to be done is to travel back for one last week of drinks, laughs, goodbyes and the ceremony!
I’ve grown a lot as a person and learnt far more than the material contained in the lectures - and what more relaxed and beautiful a backdrop to do it all against than Aberystwyth! I’ve also met and studied with some awesome people, with whom I’ll be sure to stay in touch.
If you’ve happened across this post and are considering studying in Aberystwyth, I thoroughly recommend it. It’s such a nice place with an atmosphere to match, and I’ll definitely be visiting for years to come!
I’ll leave this post with my favourite picture of a regular occurrence at sunset in Aber; thousands of starlings swarming in in huge bubbles to roost for the evening.
Starling Sunset, originally uploaded by Bobby:.
The Best Android Twitter Application is..
Check out the review posted over at Androinica for a good feature comparison between the best Android Twitter applications, including a poll which should be interesting
Some Useful Android Applications
I recently changed my phone to one running Google’s Android operating system.
Here is a list of the applications I’ve found useful since having it
HTC Hero Android 2.1 UK Release Dates?
Since their announcement at MWC 2010 of a “February to March 2010″ timescale for the Android 2.1 update, the community has had only hearsay and rumour on which to base their excitement.
Speculation of “some time in March” has been rife for a while, but as the month drags on it’s looking less and less likely that HTC will meet their deadline – even more so given the latest rumours indicating an April/May release date.
Using Xbox Live in Aberystwyth University Halls of Residence
From what I’ve seen, some people get this working successfully and others don’t.
If you’re trying to get this working, the following may be helpful.
Introspection
Cascade Calculator
I made this a while ago, but decided to improve it a bit and make it available to people in my year who’ve also received exam results today, as Aberystwyth University’s cascade calculator is not available due to technical difficulties.
As I did an industrial year as part of my course it includes the band for these results, but shouldn’t be too hard to adapt for those who didn’t.
To use it, click here and select File > Save a Copy, and use this copy to enter your module codes and results. Read on for further instructions if needed.
Ford Focus Trip Computer Calibration
The MPG figure displayed by the trip computer is calculated from the quantity of fuel injected on each engine stroke. Because the accuracy of this calculation will vary depending upon how you drive and the state of wear of your engine, you might find your trip computer is over or under optimistic to a degree.
To adjust the computer to compensate for known inaccuracies, follow these steps.