Programmers: Yes to HEALTH!

Admit it or not, too much programming isn’t all that good for your health. All day you’re just sitting on one place and often with poor ergonomics which is definitely NOT GOOD. Bad posture, no exercise, not even a stretch, but it doesn't mean that as a programmer, you can't live a happy and a healthy lifestyle!

Here are a few, simple things that you can do:

Hydrate. Always drink water and pour some lemon for flavours. Especially for those weight conscious programmers, this could help you away from eating too much of pizza or drinking lots of unhealthy beverages coz water can naturally fill in your croaking tummy.

Eat. Remember to keep a balanced diet. It doesn't mean that you should eat less. Just remember to eat right. As they say, what you eat, is what you are. 

Sleep. Get the right amount of sleep. Your programming should NEVER take away precious time from sleep. 

Walk. As much as possible find time to exercise. But if you’re too busy or just not the gym person, you can consider walking in the morning going to your office. Because in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle a person should do 10 000 steps a day and this could be an alternative to the traditional work out. Also it’ll not give you too much muscle pain like some gym activities may give you. Enjoy a bit of the scenery while you're at it.

Just a simple reminder to all the programmers out there, NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO MAKE EXCUSES! Don’t wait for some kind of sickness to take away the joy of programming from you. Take a few small steps towards healthy life - so small that your laziness won't even notice them!

Why Use Django For Your Website

       For clients who are not very particular with the technologies that they can use for their website, here are 5 reasons why Django is a better choice:

     1.   Higher level of security

Django is developed including features and plugins that focus on security. To name a few, we have the XSS Protection, CSRF Protection, SQL Injection, and others.

     2.     Flexibility

Django offers the flexibility to design pieces of the web site to fit the needs of the project at hand instead of depending on pre-built applications. For example, you have a gizmo that shows how many blog posts you have in a particular year, you want to break it down by month to make it easier to find precise articles. By using Django, we can customize that gizmo to show what we want and how we want.

 3.     Easy to update

  Using the Model-Template-View structure specific to Django makes it much easier for us to insert additional pages as well as make site-wide code or visual changes. The template structure assures that your website will have a consistent look and feel throughout the entire site.

     4.     Unique front-end design

The templates are different from the other programming language frameworks. It is not the same as filling in information in a template that is downloaded off of another site. The templates are for creating a look and feel specific to your website. Therefore it is guaranteed that the site being developed is unique and will depend highly on the skill of the front-end designer.

For Programmers: Why Use the Django Framework?

 
So, what is DJANGO?

Django is simply a Python framework, so in other words, it makes coding in Python easier and faster.

 




#1: DJANGO IS FLEXIBLE

Aside from being feature rich, Django gives you flexibility. There are existing solutions to the repetitive problems that programmers often encounter, and all you need is to add up that code. But even so, Django gives you the freedom to modify, add up to, or put your specific solution on top of what's already existing, depending on what's best. But this also depends highly on the skill of the programmer. Given the power, it comes with great responsibility. ;)

#2: DJANGO IS PYTHON

Python is. . . .

• Nice, elegant and powered-language,
• Its design philosophy emphasizes code readability,
• Its syntax allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code
• Python supports multiple programming paradigms  
• It features a dynamic type system
• Automatic memory management 
• Has a large and comprehensive standard library.  

    
    Python is just so good a programming language that its best attributes are already reasons why we think Django is best.

#3: DJANGO MAKES THINGS A LOT EASIER

• Django is designer-friendly
• Dynamic database-access API for free
• It’s production-ready
• Craft-free URLs
• Template language to separate design, content and Python code
• Multi-language applications

Thinking of any more reasons why Django is best? Write it down the comments section below. :)

So, what are you waiting for? USE PYTHON DJANGO NOW!!!

3 Things We Love About Django as Programmers

1.    Django helps us to save time and makes development a joy.

Programming and web development is an exciting, creative act but at its worst, it can be frustrating and repetitive. Django let you focus on the fun stuff, the crux of your project, while easing the pain of working on the repetitive bits.

2.     Django provides high-level abstractions of common web development patterns.

Thus, shortcuts for programming tasks, and clear implementations on how to solve problems. At the same time, Django tries to stay out of your way, letting you work outside the scope of the framework as needed.

3.     Django is easy to understand.

Simply because Django is very easy to use. Its documentation is better than most Python frameworks and its tutorials are freely available on the Internet. There's also an active online community that you can be a part of to ask for help or be of help to others.

Tips on how to become as deadly as our Python Programmers

Being an expert hunter like a python is not as easy as you think and there's a lot of predators that you need to avoid, but don’t worry, clear your mind and learn from our experience. Here are our tips. Devour it!

TIP # 1: Do your programming in a fast computer. Never waste your time waiting for a computer to compile documents or run your software. It will just eat up your time and effort, as much as possible tasks like this should only be done in a split second. So it simply means faster computer, more output, and better production.

TIP # 2: Use a bigger and wider screen. Coding is quite a rag head. In order to avoid this, use a bigger and wider screen. It also lets you get more overview and see patterns or structures clearly. In the same way it will help your eyes move fast and avoid scrolling from time to time.  

TIP # 3: Write some "squeezy" code constructs. But don’t forget to test them thoroughly! You will develop and not use the most threatening snakebite codes, but in terms of knowing that smart code constructs are seldom the way of a python programmer, other than for showing off. Less code, in a smart way, means less to maintain. Don’t use over-smart code that is just for show. 

TIP # 4: Read articles and books. Never take things for granted. Don’t think as if you know everything. In programming learning is a never-ending journey, always update and enhance your knowledge!

TIP # 5: Hunt for a prey! Yes, disturb someone to check or evaluate your work like your siblings, or maybe your spouse or anyone who you think will give you an honest feedback. You can even hide from them the fact that you’re the one who made it!

Lastly, eat right, exercise more, don't drink too much coffee, be as deadly as you can be. Thanks for spending your time in reading our blog. Good luck!

            

Nostalgia

Many days  and weeks have passed and our intern days is about to come to an end. In my stay here as an intern, I'm happy that I was accepted here because I was given the opportunity to learn many things. I've learned things about Python, Django and many other things from our trainers and my co-interns.


In the short time of staying here in Ingenuity, there are so many things that I'll surely miss like the bean bags where we lay or sit down whenever we feel stiff from always sitting on the chair. Also whenever the electricity's gone because of the brownout, we talk and share our experiences as an intern and a time for us to get to know each other more.

The table tennis where we often play during our break. This table tennis is memorable to me because this is where I first learned how to play and I never thought that it will be so much fun playing it. 

Naomi and Gene playing table tennis like pros. :)

I'll miss the glass boards that were so awesome to write something in it. 

 I'll also miss the comments, tutoring, arguments and chit-chats of our team during work time, lunch time, and the periodically brownout time.
 

The Perks of Being an Intern

I've recently watched a movie entitled "Her", and boy, the movie is really good! I'm not only saying this as a serious movie geek but also as a programmer. The world created in the movie is very impressive: hyper-intelligent OS, voice-activated computers, hologram video games and a lot more. Right now with the fast paced improvement of technology, it's safe to assume that we're reaching this soon. I guess that's the reason why I am pursuing my degree in Computer Science.

However, honestly, it's been quite tough facing codes for many months. Although I have passed my bloody major subjects, I can't confidently say that I'm ready for this kind of career. In fact, I did get scared during my first days here in Ingenuity. Having heard that this is one of the top software engineering companies in the city, I didn't know what I can bring.

In the first week, we were taught of the semantics and syntax of Python and Django. Surprisingly, I fell in love with them in such a short time, kudos to our smart and hard working instructors. For many days, I and the programming languages were in good relationship, that is, until our exercise came. Oh, thy feeling of betrayal! 

We spent a lot of time researching the solutions to our problem. I have to admit though, the Internet speed is over 9000. (To future interns and workers, you have this to look forward to. ;) )  However, Google is not enough to solve our problems. Sometimes, we would even ask our working alumni to get answers. Oh don't mistake us, we didn't come crashing to their working hours (or did we? hehe). They were so kind to insist that we should ask them questions when we need to (Thanks ates and kuyas!). Anyway, we survived the whole thing, thank God. We did earn a lot of battle scars and we're definitely proud of it. But that was just a taste of what's coming. Here comes the real deal!

In our project, all of us eight interns were grouped to build a web application. One thing that I like about our team is that there's a genuine sense of cooperation. Whenever one gets behind, other members are willing to offer assistance. What a good way to get to know each other and build acquaintances! Another thing that I liked about this whole thing is that we're finally getting the feel of what it's like in work. It's nice to be away from the classrooms and do something that is really based on our future career. This means that we don't have to serve coffees, staple papers and do something that is way way too far from our field. After all, that's what internship should be.

Now that we're nearing the completion of our required hours, we're all doing one thing: CRAM. Oh no, we haven't finished our project yet. However, we won't be defeated. We're currently doing our best, confident we'll meet our project's deadline.

This whole experience feels like a day's end at work except now is different. I pack my things and exit the office. As I reach the highway and wait for the right jeepney to ride, many questions and doubts occupy my mind. Will I be a good programmer? Will I be an important asset of a company? Will I affect the world through my programs? I certainly don't know but one thing's for sure, I am ready to face these challenges. Thanks Ingenuity.

OpenNESS means happiNESS !!! HORRAY!

“It's not what you know it's who you know”

- Bonnie A. Nardi, Steve Whittaker, Heinrich Schwarz

             Ma'am Ghea Mae Jabile, the HR of the company shared to us this quote and I never thought that it will really define my experience here in Ingenuity. I never thought that while learning and doing some technical stuffs about Python – Django, I was able to connect and start building a good relationship(Friendship) with other people.

             Technically, I learned Python for the first time and Django at the same time. I was able to learn something that's different like learning with source codes, handling errors, using the terminal as the compiler of our work, and using Ubuntu as my operating system.

             This company made me realize that there will always be a place for everything and a time for change. It's not too late to appreciate things and to believe in my self.

My Summer OJT Insight

Finding a company that accepts interns for this summer is not that easy. Unlike other schools, we, Ateneans, should search for a company and personally submit our resumes with an endorsement letter. Ingenuity was one of the companies that I tried to apply. I remembered that we were only five examinees during that day and we were the last batch to take Ingenuity’s screening exam. After the exam, I waited for three days for the exam result. When I read the email from Ingenuity, I was so happy to know that I will be one of their interns.

On our orientation day, I was quite shocked that the company only accepted eight interns. I felt very blessed that I made it to this company. I was then determined to learn python and Django in this company. For the first two weeks, we have lecture classes wherein we were taught python programming and Django. We also had exercises and practical exam in which I can apply all the things that I have learned from the lectures and also read more docs about Django.

This week, it was decided by the CEO that the eight of us will be working as a team. Each one of us is assigned with a particular task to assure that everyone have a contribution for the project. While doing this project, I can see that all of us are dedicated in accomplishing our tasks. When a member got problems or errors, the other members are willing to help.

I hope that we could finish our group project and successfully present it to the CEO and our mentors. As our summer OJT is about to end, I must say that it is an honor to be trained in one of the best software engineering company here in Davao City. I will surely cherish all the moments that I've spent with my co-interns and all the learnings and experiences that I had in this company. 

 

4 Easy Ways to Learn Programming

Getting into computer programming can be intimidating and you may think that you need to take tutorials or classes in order to learn. However, you can actually do it on your own.

Here are 4 simple steps:

     1.     Read!

Reading helps you gain the knowledge that you need. It gives you ideas on how to analyze problems and think of the best solutions. If you want to know more about programming languages, i.e. Python and how it can be used, you should read about it. Reading a good book or reference can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be confusing and frustrating especially when it is highly technical and you are just a newbie. So opt for the easy reads first and start from the basics. Also, be in a place where you can concentrate and do it during the time of the day when your brain's performance is optimum (we all have that, try to find yours out!). Just feel comfortable and don't be pressured.

 

     2.     Watch!

There are people who learn better when they actually see how it is done, so here's where videos come in. Videos can be very engaging, and can be for those who find reading a boring task. There are also particularly creative and unique videos to suit those who require more stimulating ways to learn. While you are at it, grab a popcorn and invite some friends. After all, learning is best when you are having fun.

     3.     Do!

You don't really have to be confident enough to actually start doing it. In doing, you learn as you go and you get to feel what it's like programming first hand. You experience creating good code, as well as make mistakes at the same time, and by doing so, you gain a great deal of experience and learning. Being hands on probably the best way to go. As they say, just jump in! 




4.     Build Your Experience!

Experience counts, typically it is what you write on your skills and qualifications. You can say that success as a programmer can be measured by your work or experience in the field. People are more interested in knowing what you have done, rather than in what you can say about what you know, or learned. Participate in open-source projects, apply for a job, or create your own projects and build your personal portfolio with other like-minded individuals or with more experienced programmers. Having a broad experience in the field can assist you to expand on what you have by acquiring how others do it, how it is done by experts and by that, you may establish your own style in building solutions.

SUMMER EXPERIENCE WITH THE PYTHONS!

Summer’s here! But instead of staying at home, doing nothing, getting bored and being cashless, we the student interns from different universities in Davao City brace ourselves and gear up to qualify as interns of Ingenuity, the team with the passion and dedication for training students on how to be true software developers through teaching the Python programming language and Django framework. And oh yeah, their summer internship this year are not only limited to IT related courses, coz they have also opened their doors to Sales and Marketing interns too.

                 

So while being with the python geeks this summer, we have thought about the different things that we have learned and experienced from the company, what the IT peeps have influenced us and the diverse skills that we have discovered and developed during our stay in their cozy office.

Nurfitri Hardipamunglas is one of the interns from Ateneo de Davao University shares her experiences during her summer OJT at Ingenuity.

Naomi Joy Anramig is also one of the interns from University of the Philippines Mindanao. She stated here the skills that she had discovered and developed during her stay in the company.

We are grateful that we became part of this company not just because everyone’s friendly and approachable, but because they are more than willing to train us to be better skilled in our respective fields. So let me share to you some of our photos during our stay at Ingenuity, hope you’ll like it!

One of the IT interns busy writing some codes.

Some  were busy discussing and brainstorming about their project.

Sales and Marketing interns playing ping pong while waiting for the electricity to come back. 

So if you are planning to be an IT or Marketing intern, I highly encourage you to COME and JOIN INGENUITY not just to have an awesome OJT experience but also to make a difference!