training_and_teaching_methods

Coding Kata

A Coding Kata is a well-defined coding challenge to rehearse skills. Like in martial arts, the purpose of a coding Kata is to aim for perfect execution. A student can solve the same Kata many times, improving their own programming every time or trying new programming techniques.

coding kata

A Coding Kata could be:

write a “Hello, World” program
calculate numbers from the Fibonacci series
find the exit from a maze

For instance, you could implement the Hello World program in Python, C++, Java, bash, Postgres, Docker or brainf*** . Likewise, you could use the MNIST digits dataset to exercise RandomForest models, neural networks, CNNs, PCA and so on.

In contrast to step-by-step guides, Coding Kata are much easier to write. All you need to do is to come up with a clear description of the problem. The typical Kata can be finished in 10-60 minutes.

How to run a Kata?

Pick a challenge
Set a time limit
Start working in pairs
Review results together

1. Pick a Challenge

Check the list below and pick a challenge
Read through the challenge and make sure you understand the task
Announce the task to the group
Send them a link to the challenge

2. Set a time limit

A good time limit is between 10 minutes (for a warmup exercise) and 45 minutes (a medium challenge)
Announce the time limit
Make sure the timer is clearly visible

3. Start working in pairs

Randomly assign participants to pairs (use memory cards or similar)
Give a strong, audible “Lets GO!” signal.
Start the timer
Towards the end, announce the time left

4. Review results together

Ask every group to share their code on a public channel (git, Slack)
Project the code on a screen
Ask them to explain their code and/or give a live demo

Variations

There are several ways to run a Coding Kata:

Classroom Challenge

Present the task.
Give them time (5-15 minutes) to think about it.
Wait for suggestions from participants.
Type in what they tell you to type.
Guide them towards the answer, take over when they get stuck.

this is safer to run but less satisfying for the group

Hotseat Kata

Place two chairs in the front at a computer connected to a screen
Present the task
Explain what is going to happen
Ask two volunteers to take seats at the chairs
One is the pilot (typing), the other is the copilot (assisting)
After 5 minutes, the pilot is released, the copilot is promoted, and a new person fills in the empty seat.
Repeat for the entire time box

Online Kata

There are many places where you can find online coding Katas for self-study:

Graphics with Numpy
Material on Academis
Advent of Code
CheckIO
Codingbat
Codewars
Cryptopals
Coding Dojo – group Kata
Rosalind – bioinformatics
projecteuler.net – Mathematical problems that require programming to solve.
regexone.com/ – Learning regular expressions in 16+ lessons.

Where does the word “Kata” come from?

A Kata is a well-defined ritualized exercise. In martial arts, the student is expected to perform an exact sequence of movements. Programmers have borrowed the concept for coding exercises.

Unfortunately we don’t have an established system where you get colored belts (or hoodies or base caps) after completing a certain Kata. We should work on that.