Tom Moertel

Software Guy into programming language theory and data analysis. Ex-Googler (2014–2024).

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

Good code not only makes a computing device do what is wanted but also communicates: (1) what the device was instructed to do, (2) what the code’s authors *intended* the device to do, and (3) why the code was written as it was. So: Good code has comments! https://t.co/WJINwA9FrT.

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

What is code? How would you define it? It's surprisingly hard. What is the purpose of code? I take a crack at these questions: https://t.co/7riBvHLIOR

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

Dear friends: If you're on https://t.co/2Bjq6JDK1B, I'd appreciate an invite. There's a thread I'd like to comment on. Thanks!

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@Google Please make Takeout give users *actionable* error msgs. For me, Takeout chugs for days and repeatedly fails: “We couldn’t create a copy of your Google data.” Which of the 71 products failed? The email doesn’t say, nor does the Takeout UI. Why abandon users in the dark?

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

Did you know that you can take fast, easy random samples using SQL? With and without replacement? With weights? A clever connection to Poisson processes makes it possible: https://t.co/5m3T3OS7B6

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@ozanyrc One option is take advantage of the nearly linear mapping of scores to grades:

def grade(score):
assert 0 <= score <= 100
return "ABCDF"[9 - max(50, min(99, score)) // 10]

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

I got a @cafelat Robot espresso maker for Christmas and just adore it. So simple, clever, minimal. As an engineer, I admire the design—it does away with the complexity of traditional machines and leaves only what is essential. A joy to use.

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

I just donated to @KhanAcademy. Join me in supporting a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere! https://t.co/wgGsPDDUoF https://t.co/LnlB2ZWZCe

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

Join me in celebrating 30 years of @EFF fighting for our online privacy and free speech #EFF30 https://t.co/DJQbJAVtDM

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

U.S. Congress is considering deeply misguided legislation that threatens encryption and free speech. Sign the petition from @Mozilla to stop the #EARNITAct: https://t.co/ZhcbY8Aps4 #NoEarnItAct #SaveEncryption

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@NespressoUSA How about some more decaf options? Single origins, exotic blends – give decaf drinkers *something* beyond just "Decaffenianto" in various sizes. If you make them, I'll buy them.

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@tweethue Do Hue light bulb meet Philips's EyeComfort standards?
https://t.co/zqHV1Jyz4y

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

I support @EFF because digital rights are human rights. Join me & get your donation matched! https://t.co/77CcpAgoLx

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@JakeGoulding Glad you like the series. Thanks for reading :-)

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

Don't like the U.S. presidential candidates? Ready to fight corruption with me? Donate today for political equality: https://t.co/OiAve3ZxAC

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@esspgh I'd love to listen to EssPgh on my Android phone. Can you please get your podcast into Google Play? See https://t.co/ZE8NI9wmlV

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@tlesher @garybernhardt I rarely use the dbgr for Haskell. (I don't find much use for dbgrs, in general, outside of reverse eng.)

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

I just supported #MAYDAYUS, a crowdfunded, kickstarted campaign to reclaim our democracy. You can check it out here: http://t.co/Bc7mLHrKbi.

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@ComWealthCiders Where can I find your ciders in Pittsburgh? Do any local distributors carry it?

[Tom Moertel @tmoertel]

@NissanSupport Are you saying that, when in drive or reverse but stopped, the sound should be exactly the same as when in park?