- A Struct Is Just a Map With RulesHow Structs Give Elixir Maps a Fixed ShapeStructs are maps with rules: fixed fields, a hidden __struct__ key, and clearer boundaries around domain data. Learn when to choose a map and when to reach for a struct in Elixir.Elixir Functional Programming Structs Data Structures Protocols
- Maps: Elixir's Random-Access WorkhorseChoosing Maps Over Keyword Lists for Fast Key-Based DataMaps are Elixir's random-access key-value structure. Learn when to choose maps over keyword lists, how map lookup and updates work, and why maps integrate with Enumerable and Collectible.Elixir Functional Programming Maps Data Structures
- Three Ways to Consume CodeWhen to Use require, import, and alias in ElixirElixir has three module directives for consuming code: require, import, and alias. Learn what each one means, when to use it, and how each choice affects readability.Elixir Functional Programming Macros Modules
- Design for AI: Why Pure Functions Make Better AI PartnersHow a Functional Core Makes Claude Cheaper and More ReliableBruce Tate shows why pure functions and the CRC pattern (construct, reduce, convert) don't just help humans reason about code — they help Claude generate, verify, and stay correct with fewer tokens.AI Elixir Functional Programming Architecture Best Practices
- Your Code Should Explain ItselfHow Module Attributes Turn Elixir Documentation Into Testable CodeElixir documentation is not a stale comment beside your code. Learn how module attributes, IEx help, ExDoc, and doctests keep explanations close to the behavior they describe.Elixir Functional Programming Documentation Doctests
- Mix Tasks Are Just ElixirHow Mix Turns Plain Modules Into First-Class Project ToolsMix tasks are not separate from your Elixir application. They are ordinary modules that implement Mix.Task, giving you a clean boundary around reusable project tooling.Elixir Functional Programming Mix Tooling
- Building in LayersWhy Elixir Programs Stay Maintainable When the Core, Boundary, and API Each Do One JobLearn how Elixir programs stay easier to test and change by separating pure logic, IO boundaries, and API coordination into distinct layers.Elixir Functional Programming Architecture Software Design
- Recursion as a Design PatternHow Accumulators Turn Recursive List Processing into Clear, Stack-Safe ElixirLearn how recursion works as a natural Elixir design pattern, why accumulators make list processing stack-safe, and how this mental model leads directly to Enum.reduce.Elixir Functional Programming Recursion Lists
- Lists Are Not ArraysWhy Elixir Lists Reward Head-First Thinking Instead of Index-Based AccessLearn why Elixir lists are linked structures, how `[head | tail]` reveals their shape, and why building left then reversing once leads to clearer, faster code.Elixir Functional Programming Lists Data Structures
- Control Flow: Truth, Conditions, and Pattern-Based DecisionsHow to Use if, cond, and case Without Runtime SurprisesLearn how Elixir control flow works with expressions, truthy checks, and pattern matching so you can choose the right tool and avoid hidden runtime failures.Elixir Functional Programming Control Flow Pattern Matching
- When the Shape Is the Contract: Tuples, Tagged Tuples, and KeywordsHow Elixir Data Shapes Turn Ambiguous Returns into Explicit ContractsLearn when to use tuples, tagged tuples, and keyword lists in Elixir, and why designing return values as contracts leads to clearer, more maintainable code.Elixir Functional Programming Data Structures Pattern Matching
- Scope (Visibility and Isolation)Why Inner Rebinding Doesn't Change Outer Values in ElixirLearn how Elixir scope boundaries reinforce immutability, prevent hidden state changes, and make code behavior predictable.Elixir Functional Programming Immutability Language Fundamentals
- Pattern Matching: Matching, Not AssigningWhy Elixir Uses Shape Selection Instead of Variable AssignmentPattern matching in Elixir is about selecting structure, not storing values. Learn destructuring, pinning, and how match failure guides control flow.Elixir Functional Programming Pattern Matching Language Fundamentals
- Learning Elixir? Data Shape Is a Design DecisionChoosing the Right Data Structure for Intent and ClarityIn Elixir, data shape determines how code behaves and reads. Learn when to use atoms, tuples, lists, and maps to make your intent explicit.Elixir Data Structures Design Functional Programming
- Learning Elixir? Function Heads Are Chosen by ShapeWhy Elixir Picks a Clause Before Any Code RunsElixir selects a function head by pattern matching the shape of your arguments, which is why the language feels declarative before you touch OTP.Elixir Pattern Matching Functions Functional Programming
- Stop Writing Statements, Start Writing ExpressionsWhy Everything in Elixir Returns a Value (and What That Changes)In Elixir, if statements aren't control flow—they're expressions that return values. Learn how this eliminates state management and changes how you read code.Elixir Functional Programming Expressions Design Patterns
- Learning Elixir? Align Your Mental ModelWhy Experienced Developers Find Elixir Harder (and What to Do About It)The syntax is easy. The mental model is hard. Learn the one shift that makes Elixir stop feeling sideways and start feeling natural.Elixir Learning Functional Programming Mental Models