Russ Olsen
@russolsen.bsky.social
Engineer, reader, believer in numbers, author of Eloquent Ruby, Getting Clojure, Design Patterns in Ruby and Overdrive.
He, him
He, him
I'm working on the Eloquent Ruby chapter that discusses the various Ruby implementations. Which means that I'm digging into the source code for MRI for the first time in about a decade. I think last time I looked it was version 1.9.something. Now it's 3.4+.
November 13, 2025 at 12:57 PM
I'm working on the Eloquent Ruby chapter that discusses the various Ruby implementations. Which means that I'm digging into the source code for MRI for the first time in about a decade. I think last time I looked it was version 1.9.something. Now it's 3.4+.
Reposted by Russ Olsen
I am so excited for this book, it's so great!
Putting the finishing touches on the beta release of 2nd edition of Eloquent Ruby, which should be available sometime in the next couple of weeks.
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
November 1, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I am so excited for this book, it's so great!
Reposted by Russ Olsen
This was the book that really made me understand idiomatic Ruby looks like early in my career. Looking forward to reading the new edition.
It's official! The beta release of Eloquent Ruby, 2nd edition is now on sale!
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
Eloquent Ruby, Second Edition
Write elegant Ruby code--not just correct, but idiomatic. Go beyond the vocabulary and syntax and learn to express yourself with eloquence.
pragprog.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:46 AM
This was the book that really made me understand idiomatic Ruby looks like early in my career. Looking forward to reading the new edition.
Reposted by Russ Olsen
I don't normally get angry about the media, who are doing a difficult job in a difficult environment. But if you see a story where one scientist says one thing, and literally everyone else says another, and you decide to write it up, well, Jed, I don't even want to know you.
October 31, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I don't normally get angry about the media, who are doing a difficult job in a difficult environment. But if you see a story where one scientist says one thing, and literally everyone else says another, and you decide to write it up, well, Jed, I don't even want to know you.
It's official! The beta release of Eloquent Ruby, 2nd edition is now on sale!
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
Eloquent Ruby, Second Edition
Write elegant Ruby code--not just correct, but idiomatic. Go beyond the vocabulary and syntax and learn to express yourself with eloquence.
pragprog.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:44 PM
It's official! The beta release of Eloquent Ruby, 2nd edition is now on sale!
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
pragprog.com/titles/eruby...
Putting the finishing touches on the beta release of 2nd edition of Eloquent Ruby, which should be available sometime in the next couple of weeks.
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
October 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Putting the finishing touches on the beta release of 2nd edition of Eloquent Ruby, which should be available sometime in the next couple of weeks.
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
This has been a long, long journey but the finish line is at least out there on the horizon. I mean, who writes a book with 746 separate code examples?
There are things that everyone knows. These are the things that nobody talks about. Which is why not everyone knows what "everyone knows."
You know?
You know?
October 19, 2025 at 6:55 PM
There are things that everyone knows. These are the things that nobody talks about. Which is why not everyone knows what "everyone knows."
You know?
You know?
In other news, the print version of my novel Overdrive is almost ready. And it has a different cover!
www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Li...
www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Li...
October 16, 2025 at 8:26 PM
In other news, the print version of my novel Overdrive is almost ready. And it has a different cover!
www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Li...
www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Li...
The 2nd edition of Eloquent Ruby has a cover!
October 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The 2nd edition of Eloquent Ruby has a cover!
Eloquent Ruby update: We are edging towards a beta release, probably early to mid Nov.
One. Page. At. A. Time.
One. Page. At. A. Time.
October 1, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Eloquent Ruby update: We are edging towards a beta release, probably early to mid Nov.
One. Page. At. A. Time.
One. Page. At. A. Time.
Somehow I've lived in this neighborhood for years without noticing just how cool the people down the street are...
September 15, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Somehow I've lived in this neighborhood for years without noticing just how cool the people down the street are...
@antiheroine.bsky.social Hey do you have any recommendations for a converter and ink for that LAMY pen you talked me into buying?
I'm going thru 2-3 cartridges a week...
I'm going thru 2-3 cartridges a week...
September 12, 2025 at 12:36 AM
@antiheroine.bsky.social Hey do you have any recommendations for a converter and ink for that LAMY pen you talked me into buying?
I'm going thru 2-3 cartridges a week...
I'm going thru 2-3 cartridges a week...
I've released the framework that I used to create the epub/kindle version of my recent novel, Overdrive, up on github.
So if you have ever had the urge to write a novel in markdown, this is your lucky day.
github.com/russolsen/bo...
So if you have ever had the urge to write a novel in markdown, this is your lucky day.
github.com/russolsen/bo...
GitHub - russolsen/book_markdown_template
Contribute to russolsen/book_markdown_template development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:51 PM
I've released the framework that I used to create the epub/kindle version of my recent novel, Overdrive, up on github.
So if you have ever had the urge to write a novel in markdown, this is your lucky day.
github.com/russolsen/bo...
So if you have ever had the urge to write a novel in markdown, this is your lucky day.
github.com/russolsen/bo...
Reposted by Russ Olsen
How do you get people truly excited about functional programming? @russolsen.bsky.social & @boicy.bovon.org share fresh insights you won’t want to miss.
How to Get People Excited about Functional Programming • Russ Olsen & James Lewis • GOTO 2024
This interview was recorded at GOTO Copenhagen 2024. #GOTOcon #GOTOcph
https://gotocph.com
Russ Olsen - Author of "Getting Clojure" & "Eloquent Ruby" @russolsen3122
James Lewis - Software Architect…
youtu.be
August 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
How do you get people truly excited about functional programming? @russolsen.bsky.social & @boicy.bovon.org share fresh insights you won’t want to miss.
Between working on the Eloquent Ruby and the novel Overdrive, I've been struck by how much overlap there is between writing fiction and technical stuff.
The one needs to be entertaining, flow from scene to scene and pop up with surprises every now and then.
The other is a long made-up story.
The one needs to be entertaining, flow from scene to scene and pop up with surprises every now and then.
The other is a long made-up story.
August 13, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Between working on the Eloquent Ruby and the novel Overdrive, I've been struck by how much overlap there is between writing fiction and technical stuff.
The one needs to be entertaining, flow from scene to scene and pop up with surprises every now and then.
The other is a long made-up story.
The one needs to be entertaining, flow from scene to scene and pop up with surprises every now and then.
The other is a long made-up story.
Eloquent Ruby 2nd edition update: Just finished the first draft of the pattern matching chapter.
It's a bit like squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste, from the point of view of the tube. But also fun
It's a bit like squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste, from the point of view of the tube. But also fun
August 13, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Eloquent Ruby 2nd edition update: Just finished the first draft of the pattern matching chapter.
It's a bit like squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste, from the point of view of the tube. But also fun
It's a bit like squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste, from the point of view of the tube. But also fun
I came across an old shirt while cleaning out my closet, had a wave of nostalgia.
July 24, 2025 at 4:06 PM
I came across an old shirt while cleaning out my closet, had a wave of nostalgia.
Reposted by Russ Olsen
2/5. "Functional Programming in 40 Minutes • Russ Olsen • GOTO 2024" ⸱ +3k views ⸱ 09 Jul 2025 ⸱ https://youtube.com/watch?v=QujM1S3tP-I
@gotocon.com @russolsen.bsky.social
@gotocon.com @russolsen.bsky.social
July 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
2/5. "Functional Programming in 40 Minutes • Russ Olsen • GOTO 2024" ⸱ +3k views ⸱ 09 Jul 2025 ⸱ https://youtube.com/watch?v=QujM1S3tP-I
@gotocon.com @russolsen.bsky.social
@gotocon.com @russolsen.bsky.social
I keep getting these "Unlock AI for just $10!!!!" type ads.
I keep asking how much it would cost to throw away the key...
I keep asking how much it would cost to throw away the key...
July 15, 2025 at 3:16 AM
I keep getting these "Unlock AI for just $10!!!!" type ads.
I keep asking how much it would cost to throw away the key...
I keep asking how much it would cost to throw away the key...
Here's another in my somewhat erratic updates on the second edition of Eloquent Ruby: We've passed the half way mark on the first draft. Sixteen out of thirty one chapters done.
Getting there. One. Page. At. A. Time.
Getting there. One. Page. At. A. Time.
July 14, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Here's another in my somewhat erratic updates on the second edition of Eloquent Ruby: We've passed the half way mark on the first draft. Sixteen out of thirty one chapters done.
Getting there. One. Page. At. A. Time.
Getting there. One. Page. At. A. Time.
In other news, the kindle version of my novel Overdrive went on sale today. Make sure you order your copy before supplies run out!
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
Overdrive: A Lighthearted Tale of AI, Flying Cars and Milkshakes
Amazon.com: Overdrive: A Lighthearted Tale of AI, Flying Cars and Milkshakes eBook : Olsen, Russ: Kindle Store
www.amazon.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:20 PM
In other news, the kindle version of my novel Overdrive went on sale today. Make sure you order your copy before supplies run out!
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
I'm pretty much convinced that when the history of the 21st century is written, Amazon's main contribution will be recognized as supplying inexpensive cardboard for creative prototyping.
Mockup of a frame for a raw lcd screen.
Mockup of a frame for a raw lcd screen.
July 9, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I'm pretty much convinced that when the history of the 21st century is written, Amazon's main contribution will be recognized as supplying inexpensive cardboard for creative prototyping.
Mockup of a frame for a raw lcd screen.
Mockup of a frame for a raw lcd screen.
So my novel, Overdrive, is available for preorder on Amazon. It will be out next Monday, July 14. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited for 90 days.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
Overdrive: A Lighthearted Tale of AI, Flying Cars and Milkshakes
Amazon.com: Overdrive: A Lighthearted Tale of AI, Flying Cars and Milkshakes eBook : Olsen, Russ: Kindle Store
www.amazon.com
July 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
So my novel, Overdrive, is available for preorder on Amazon. It will be out next Monday, July 14. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited for 90 days.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGY8ZPM...
... and my "coming soon" novel, Overdrive, now has a cover!
June 27, 2025 at 1:28 AM
... and my "coming soon" novel, Overdrive, now has a cover!
In other news, I've finally managed to finish a novel. Writing, not reading. It's a lighthearted science fiction story set more or less in the present.
So keep an eye out for Overdrive, coming to a ebook retailer near you, soon.
So keep an eye out for Overdrive, coming to a ebook retailer near you, soon.
June 20, 2025 at 9:11 PM
In other news, I've finally managed to finish a novel. Writing, not reading. It's a lighthearted science fiction story set more or less in the present.
So keep an eye out for Overdrive, coming to a ebook retailer near you, soon.
So keep an eye out for Overdrive, coming to a ebook retailer near you, soon.