Elixir Project Setup and Exploration

Getting Started with Elixir

• Goals: Build a startup project using the latest version of Elixir and Erlang.
• Challenges: Issues with Google Drive, project setup, and plugins.
• Approach: Referenced previous setup methods and plugins used.
• Exploration: Attempted to use the newest features of Elixir, particularly version 1.6.17.

Project Concept: Photo Sharing App

• Idea: An app for sharing photos specifically with friends and family.
• Current Practice: Using Google Photos albums which have limitations in organizing and viewing photos.
• Features: No ads, no social media patterns; focus on simplicity and privacy.
• Monetization: Users pay to upload and backup photos.
• Inspired By: Google+ circles for selective sharing.

Setting Up Elixir

• Toolchain: Using Elixir, Erlang, and Phoenix.
• Local Setup: Running the app locally without advanced storage setup initially.
• Phoenix Framework: Installation and creating new Phoenix project.
  • Mix commands provided for setting up Phoenix, including new project creation and database setup.

Exploring Typing in Elixir

• Focus: Understanding new type system features in Elixir 1.6.17.
• Typing Issues: Found that fields in structs weren't being correctly typed and validated.
• Example: Struct with fields not erroring as expected when types mismatched.
• Tools Investigated: Domo, dialyzer (used for static analysis of types).

Troubleshooting

• Mix Compilation: Ensured successful mix compilation and local setup.
• LSP configuration: Issues with Language Server Protocol (LSP) setups like ElixirLS and Lexical.
  • Configured LSP servers to disable conflicting features.
  • Focus on avoiding multiple completions and formatting fights between LSPs.
• Dialyzer: Effective for finding some typing errors but had limitations.

Linting Tools and Setup

• Credo: Static code analysis tool, included and tested in the project.
  • Found initial issues in configuration with the latest Elixir but recommended for continued use.
• TypeStruct: A library to enforce types in structs, used and configured.

Future Steps

• Continue Type System Exploration: Keep an eye on new Elixir features for better type enforcement.
• Improve Setup: Ensure stable versions are used to avoid breaking dependencies.
• Develop Features: Proceed with building core features of the photo app while testing new tools and libraries.