{ |one, step, back| } http://onestepback.org/index.cgi Jim Weirich's Blog en-us { |one, step, back| } http://onestepback.org http://onestepback.org/images/jwface.gif Kali Code for Dense Stellar Systems http://onestepback.org/index.cgi/Tech/Physics/KaliCode.red <p style="padding-left:3em;"><em>Ruby and celestial mechanics&#8230; two great tastes that taste great together.</em></p> <p>I saw this mentioned on the Ruby-Talk mailing list. <a href="http://www.artcompsci.org/kali/index.html">The Kali Code</a> for Dense Stellar Systems by Piet Hut and Jun Makino is a conversation between two astrophysists as they build a computer simulation of the N-Body problem. And they are using Ruby to write the simulation. It is a great introduction to the Ruby language in addition to being a fun problem to solve.</p> <p>My first job out of college was at Cape Canaveral working on deep space trajectory programs. It has been <em>many</em> years since I flexed my math muscles in celestial mechanices, so it was kinda fun to see that stuff again. I&#8217;ve only read through the second chapter, but I&#8217;m eagerly looking forward to the rest.</p> <p>If you are looking to learn Ruby and aren&#8217;t frightened by a bit of math (well, perhaps more than a bit), you might enjoy this.</p> <hr /> <ul> <li><a href="http://tagsurf.com/post?tag=@jimweirich+ruby+physics+math+http://onestepback.org/index.cgi/Tech/Physics/KaliCode.red+http://www.artcompsci.org/kali/index.html">Tagsurf Feedback</a></li> </ul>