The poetry of programming | Linda Liukas | TEDxCERN

Linda Liukas believes that a movement in technology is already happening and that we need to engage everyone -- especially the next generation -- to take part. She wants to create a more diverse and colourful world of technology, starting with the poetry of code.
Linda Liukas is a programmer, storyteller and illustrator. Her children's book, Hello Ruby, raised a total of $380,000 on Kickstarter. She founded Rails Girls, which has organized workshops in over 230 cities, teaching the basics of programming to more than 10,000 women. Linda worked at Codeacademy, which she left to write stories that teach children about software and programming. She won the 2013 Ruby Hero prize and was named the Digital Champion of Finland by the EU Commissioner for Digital Agenda.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@ChuppaChuck]

I love how passionate she is about programming and computers. Incredible woman.

[@davek89666]

I think so too

[@webcoderph]

+ChuppaChuck same here. incredible woman.

[@Streunekater]

Could we pleeeease clone her? :)

[@wallhack7244]

Finally an amazing presentation by a women.

[@saracara9151]

woman

[@hadwayx]

She is a person who really have found a job of her dream.

[@gilakot]

I love her cheerful childlike attitude. Her audience however is bit too quiet...

[@MrKevinontube]

Some had their arms folded.... quite a large number of audience.

[@zignd]

Well pointed out xD

[@criticmc837]

caught in the moment, she said it so well

[@morpheus6749]

There is a vanishingly thin line between "childlike attitude" and mental retardation. I'm afraid she crosses the line into the latter.

[@carkod]

Geniuses are "retarded". Look at rainman

[@CristiNeagu]

I always found it weird that computers are at the core of our civilisation and yet we don't really teach kids much about them... Programming and computer science should be a core discipline, alongside mathematics and physics.

[@samsemp10l23]

IKR

[@SirKrazzy]

it is a discipline i have computer construction, programming and operacional systems and im 15 (in my school in 10º grade)

[@volikoto]

Lucky you. Study well mate.

[@MrJohnConstitution]

So true Cristi, we stand in danger of creating the generation that the speaker spoke of, a generation of computer users with no idea of how to be a computer programmer. And it is so sad too.With today's technology there are tiny single board computers that cost $50 or less, with a keyboard and a TV anyone can learn to program, but most kids don't even understand why this is even a good thing.

[@CristiNeagu]

John Constitution Well, it's a generation of instant gratification. Why bother programming a game when you can just buy one? Even though we might enjoy the challenge and reward of programming, kids these days might see it as a meaningless chore. And that's the sad thing. Why challenge yourself when you can have it for free?

[@Arnis1mail]

There are people in the world that are really interesting. Linda is one of them.

[@1DJLNR]

she is like most of us born in the 80's so she would seem special to all of her age group indeed.. Most of us from the 80's had no choice but to code to get more because tv made us aware that computers could be doing more, the ones who say they didn't code are just lazy and don't want to get back into it..

[@bulentcetin5429]

Arnoldas Trumpickas 099393ri

[@lewiknight3180]

"Most of us from the 80's had no choice but to code to get more because tv made us aware that computers could be doing more, the ones who say they didn't code are just lazy and don't want to get back into it.." ----- What a ridiculous statement.

[@user-go9kw6wf4m]

@@1DJLNR wtf

[@Warbots983]

she is like Disney's Princess of Programming tm

[@st0ckk242]

HAHAHAHA

[@sanzida171]

This is so accurate

[@user-go9kw6wf4m]

Absolutely

[@nigarvalikhanova3274]

I feel that way, too

[@felipea.3487]

she is adorable and has a lot of confidence

[@TheFlamePhoenix]

wait, Linda Liukas? I know you probably won't ever read this, but if you are who I think you are.... (if I am wrong please tell me so I can delete this xD) You worked in CodeCademy with us! I am one of the moderators that you actually promoted, I still remember when you left... I felt like greatness had been lost. I am happy to see your ruby project made it, and I am happy to see how far you got with it. I'm so proud that I met you! Go for it girl!

[@neonz2712]

+Pedro Martins I think it's quite funny. You are getting excited from seeing another partner you once worked with, and I'm excited by meeting a developer at CodeCademy!

[@asadmajgaonkar229]

Yess she was in code academy How i know that? Its in the description:)

[@sandeepbolla]

Now I get the reason where she got those nice interpretations of programming from.... her experience at codeacademy is the key

[@Rose-dm2xe]

wow

[@syifamahira8402]

If there is any of you who's still watching in 2020, I'm gonna tell you my story. I started to learn programming solely because, in this age and century, computer has taken over the world and naturally I would like to work in a such promising filed, so it's because of money. But, I find it's hard to actually learn because I don't have the motivation. But then I watched this woman. She's so passionate and that made me realise the true essence of programming and computers. Thank you Linda, as you said I'm gonna work hard so that this generation is the last to know computers as merely glowing box. To our own liitle universe and rules!

[@tobydude7462]

Yh she is really inspiring

[@cisbani_sw]

It has been really emotional, for real

[@5koKirilov]

how old are you?

[@thebigbywolf]

people like her are really pushing the boundries we experience today. Great work, thank you

[@lwm6d206]

Озт

[@riskypisky]

The world needs more like her.Not only as computer scientists but also as a motivator. It's the job of people, who are in computer science field, to make others realise that computers are not magic but a product of human logic. She has nailed her job.

[@xdarrenx]

One can write and read english, but this doesn't mean u can write a Shakespeare play. One can know every major organ in the body, now try a surgery, it won't work. One may know how to use a camera to film, this doesn't mean u make the next avengers movie. Too much focus on programming languages and not on architectural patterns. While you must understand the language offcourse, it's a tool, and there should be more focus on patterns and structure, and then the language u use is trivial. To me this is the true essence of programming.

[@papeetechild]

Thank you, I have not yet begun to learn to code; so it's great to hear this.

[@jakubnei2195]

best way to learn to code, is to code, alot, and keep in mind there is always a better way to code something, always seek the perfect code, perfect solutions, perfect patterns, try different things, google hella lot, try making games in Unity3D (or any other game engine) with placeholder art, you must enjoy it in the first place

[@nnhhl6447]

👏👏👏

[@TheKafaniKirarim]

While I totally agree with this, I see the most efficient way to recognise and grasp the programming patterns and structures is to start tinkering with code. For me it is like trying to learn how to ride a bike. You can read about it for years, but you won't learn a thing until you ride a bike. So, in my humble opinion, one should balance to learn architectural patterns with low level code writing. Otherwise you are trying to learn theoretical information and they just linger in your mind, without getting attached to real concepts.

[@sam_making_games]

Darren T You get them from experience.

[@mrmaxwell0701]

"Programmers write the code for other programmers to read and build upon" this is the most important lesson for any programmer watching this video

[@isaiahpaul56]

hahahahhahahahahahhahhahahhahha

[@stulora3172]

That is exactly how Computer Science has to be introduced to children and adults alike. I give a similar discourse to the students in the first class of my courses. "Create anything you imagine with these free tools you are about to learn". She explains it way better than I ever could, though.

[@iluan_]

I'm going to buy her book to help me introduce my little sister to coding :)

[@worldshaper1723]

I'm gonna do the same with my nice. Did you end up buying the book?

[@bolajibello3414]

she is the most convincing lecturer i never had :)

[@katdareshruti]

My teachers took away my love of learning

[@novascotia2015]

Linda is the author and illustrator of Hello Ruby, a children’s picture book about the whimsical world of computers, as well as the founder of Rails Girls, a global movement to teach young women programming in over 260 cities. She loves Muji, Zelda Fitzgerald, software and sparkly things.

[@seethetruth7427]

CS could be intimidating, im so glad there's a colorful personality like hers to make programming such a lovely and fun adventure for kids, instead of dull lectures and harsh feedbacks

[@joanam3070]

She is a great story teller and computer poet :) I love her energy. As an educator, I want to be able to transmit the kids this enthusiasm for programming. We need to approach new technology from a place of curiosity, wonder and desire to understand and discover, not from fear. Wonder is what makes the world so interesting. Fear is paralyzing kids, making talent and the joy of life go away. I hope we can make them understand reality, imagine another one and create it. No more kids in fear. We need more people like her.

[@arthuri.vecchia2062]

I wish I had a teacher like that in kindergarden. I love the way you narrated you way through this real life tests and experiences of trying to make kids see the real world with another set of eyes. The eyes of makers!!!

[@unicornsdesk1140]

She's doing a great job by introducing computers to kids.. and if you are feeling ackward to see her so over sweet, remember it's not for u.. she's a passionate teacher, her little students must be loving her..

[@SagarDevkota1]

Love the way she Smiles.

[@graveetone]

Ohh, I`m almost crying... This speech was so interesting and so inspirable. I literally wanna go and do something, learn and create. Thanks for this feelings, Linda

[@saurabhsrivastava5675]

Life runs on code. Amazing representation of programming.

[@ahnmichael1484]

Only a couple minutes in and I can already tell this is going to be a really moving, inspiring talk - such a warmth and sincerity of spirit, such passion and clarity

[@PeculiarPI]

I have become really amused by her passion about programming. I have fallen in love of way of her speak.

[@semarova]

She looks like my computer engineering classmates... In my dreams.

[@RavinderPayal]

you just stole my dream,,,,,,,,,way ahead ........she is mine :p ...........

[@criticmc837]

get your filthy hands of her!!!!!!!!

[@Mr_nn23]

Sebastian Rodriguez True

[@madisonxyz9887]

Samuel Clemens 😂😂

[@ck7603]

This is why they don't want to go into cs

[@Dan0rioN]

She is absolutely gorgeous never get tired of listening to her beautiful voice

[@zayan0013]

LINDA, IS THE INTERNET A PLACE?!?! Thank you for sharing your perspective. I am starting my Coding Bootcamp on Monday and this was just what a poet, weirdo, and critical thinker needed to hear 🖤

[@alphawidetv8802]

Shes so sweet when talking about programming and the way she describe it, its amazing.

[@larissacury7714]

I'm back at this video after reading her book. I'm speechless, the book is amazing, she's amazing. It's a MUST read!

[@namelesscare7982]

I had a chance to read a magazine that covers the first page with Linda Liuka's image. I read many of her quotes. Her skills and passion for learning and attempt to become an inspirational person for little kids are so admirable. Furthermore, it didn't surprise me she's a Finn. The education system in Finland is magnificent. No doubt the education in Finland is one of the best education systems in this world.

[@craigpwells1962]

Excellent and inspiring! Nearly finished my technology educator career but her talk makes me wish I were just starting!

[@pavanvemuri6352]

Passion,Attitude and more than that Smile......a perfect talk

[@hp2892]

love this

[@TheBunnyThump]

Beautiful. Absolutely lovely expression of our industry. Thank you.

[@fredassmit2718]

This video just made my day!!! Her passion is infectious :)

[@fatimaahmad3681]

"We are raising only consumers instead of creators" wow!!

[@SuperDebangan]

This is a dramatic lecture. Totally liked it. The most unique way of describing a computer and what constitutes it, where it all started from, where it is heading towards, impact on humanity and so many tales.

[@JigaByte]

I love her positieve energy!!

[@clarkkent7953]

This is by far my fave ted talk. One of the things I'm incredibly grateful to my mom for is the fact she introduced me to the computers before I even started elementary school. And over time she explained stuff I didnt understand, she'd look up things I asked just to get me an answer, and by the time I was 10 I had pretty much already decided, I wanna be a programmer. Im 18 now and I'm still as passionate about software dev as I was all those years ago, if not more. I'm a girl so a lot of people just made a horrified expression when the 10,11,12 year old me said I wanna be a programmer but i enjoyed their surprise instead of feeling insecure. I enjoyed feeling like I understand something beyond comprehension of those much older than I. Thanks Linda and TedxCern, this video just reminded me of how it all began for me

[@kavirusamarawickrama3114]

This is so inspiring! she is adorbz and i LOVE the stories and examples she brought in to explain and the cute images used to present. Truly is something amazing to watch and listen to. very very inspiring.

[@patriklori3300]

Linda saved my day, by her passionate explaining, why we all (from 4-99) should try to learn, understand, do and teach more about coding. -> Let's be more innovative! Great Job !!!

[@dagsdags060]

I found myself carrying a smile all throughout the video. She has a very pleasant manner of speaking.

[@LernMoment]

I'm blown away! Thank you so much Linda!

[@TriggerTMH]

Holy crap. This is a great talk. This woman amazing! Love it!

[@BeLikeNexus]

This is great, her talking about the little girl and the bike light gave me chills

[@Hexspa]

She’s got a good point. Getting everyone comfortable to get involved can be a huge asset we’re underutilizing because of social division. It’s a dear price to pay for impatience and quick clap backs.

[@saurabhgaur5872]

her smily nature made me feel something i can not describe in words but , i felt good and happy

[@ridvansolimov9420]

I love this girl.

[@gyaseddintanrkulu]

This is wonderful, maybe my favorite TED talk

[@sararu2333]

loved the way you spoke,...it brought which brought me back to my childhood...where the things were simple...i would tamper different things within my computer.....it gave me the inspiration i needed to look at things differently...a bit more positively... 🥰

[@Spartipilo]

I tried guitar, singing, and dancing, yet, it was altering videogames codes, writing Excel formulas, macros and queries where I discovered my true creative passion and where I get inspired, where I dream and wonder how awesome it would be to have this or that, and fearlessly start to make the vision a reality.

[@dudas12100]

I don't know what a creative person looks like, but I think she's a good representation. As we grow up we learn this code of ethics and way to behave and not to behave, that we become linear. If instead of burying our kid side, we kept it and embraced it, I believe much more creativity would be present within people.

[@oODakoTaOo]

+dudas12100 "... we learn this code of ethics and ..." That's called "culture" and process of enculturation is actually good to make your life and social interactions easier, so you have an orientation about what is considered wrong or right in different situation. Ofc, it also determines your thinking process, since you become trained to think in a very specific direction and not a very broad one. Bring yourself into situations where you're surrounded by people with other cultures and you'll see how your way of thinking shifts and inspirations for a more creative mindset will pop up. At least that's my personal experience.

[@davidk5569]

It is a beautiful world of infinite possibilities, I love living in it.

[@kessewaaacheampong2174]

This is beautiful she has given me a whole new meaning to computer science

[@marylai2618]

What an incredible poet and programmer. Thank you Linda :)

[@azmainkhan9998]

I noticed that she is keeping her smile throughout the whole video. That's great.

[@xiankaylle019]

I pray someday I will be in TEDx and sharing my experience and passion :) God Bless TEDx

[@varunsingh9432]

great to see people love programming , i am a beginner but yes i am learning it and i am in love with it

[@gocrypto7017]

hi, its 4 years now..how is it going/

[@mcconaugheyjose8653]

her presence was very soothing and energetic throughout the whole presentation which made it enjoyable to listen to

[@sajalsangal1436]

Her charming personality and that great big smile is the essence of this video :D

[@gauti_gaming]

I loved this Mesmerizing smile of your's Linda...

[@AndrewJevitt]

A perfect reminder of how important it is to just play and imagine.

[@raymondokyere1082]

I'm thrilled though, my quest for becoming a programmer died too early of my life, now in a different field of work but my personal taste and interest in computer's made find this video.

[@varsharyali1879]

This is so beautiful. I want to teach all the children about computers now as well.

[@RavinderPayal]

I loved it................... I excite when someone talks something about What I am doing and what I love to do. Thanks Madam Linda

[@rohitrajak5128]

Will definitely re-watch

[@baychai6976]

would die for her, she's so adorable and such and inspiring intellectual!! wow

[@newcryptotrader6982]

She talk Amazingly with emotions

[@GyanAddict]

I loved all of it. such a great way of presenting information.

[@xidd1]

This is a beautiful video just watch it without any second thought!

[@paras8361]

Great Confidence!!!

[@UpendraKumar-cn6bf]

I personally feel that she's a wonderful story teller.

[@michaelerwin8744]

Human brain's capacity isn't growing any bigger but the indispensable technologies we use in a modern world are growing incredibly fast and more complicated over time.

[@yashrupani1608]

The kids got an angel from paradise... she's so adorable! she could be the best storyteller as well... she's perhaps

[@BlockOfRed]

Programming Social Media is like digging your own grave. Creating platforms where non-programmers will curse about you. All in all, that is really ironic.

[@michelleruiz8320]

her passion moves me

[@osiris5449]

Michelle Ruiz Sorry, must find the right algorithm.

[@katdareshruti]

Just looking at her makes me happy😃

[@nguyenminhtam2302]

I can feel the passionate form her.

[@kienhoang6826]

"The kids of today, they tap, swipe and pinch their way through the world. But unless we give them tools to build with computers, we are raising only consumers instead of creators"

[@sudiptadey707]

I need that kind of happiness in her life....Look how cheerful she is

[@welcometonewearth416]

I'm quite impressed by this woman. Yes, we are here to create, whether with a computer or without it but, as she pointed out, computers are becoming an everyday reality so in order to understand the rapidly changing world, we'd better understand what's happening behind that screen that we keep using day and night...

[@User65714]

Perfect❤

[@OmarAhmed-jo1cf]

She's amazing .She's the perfect cupcake application.

[@codewithmatthew]

Her life became alive through programming. Amazing!

[@minyminions7064]

That was the cutest speech I ever listened to.....

[@blo_]

I think this is one of the most Ted talks i enjoyed because of that smile.

[@chansophopkaing9405]

great speaker, great mind set, great programmer

[@northcode_]

I want that projector bike lamp!

[@walterbishop3668]

Aww, she is so positive

[@ihorprotsenko5431]

She's so passionate about it

[@xingw9358]

So vivid

[@shubhambhatra]

maaan she is sooo beautiful!

[@tadabesa]

It was a very useful talk to realize that computers are not only a screen with a CPU. Nowadays everything carries a computer inside.

[@ramitube21]

Excellent conference and work.

[@kutlass]

Such a beautiful human being. I am smitten!!

[@tarunjindal2977]

She is so adorable! :)

[@romeoocampojr.9250]

Just Wow! Now, I'm motivated.

[@udaygawande5681]

Is everyone sleeping in the audience? She is amazing Passionate about programming. And I like her smily face while explaining all this .😎 Thanks TEDx . And also Thanks KZbin for making possible to watch such wonderful video..