----------------------------------- lyam_kaskade Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:54 pm Learning Ruby over Summer ----------------------------------- I was hoping to learn some Ruby over the summertime before university starts, so that I have some programming knowledge when I apply for my coop in january. However, I'm unsure of how widespread Ruby use is, and am wondering whether a different language would be just as easy to learn, but more practical. Can anyone name some companies that use Ruby frequently? (and any other comments you may have). Also, any tips/advice on beginning would be appreciated. I've downloaded the one-click-Ruby and will be going through one of the tutorials soon. ----------------------------------- wtd Thu Jun 23, 2005 3:56 pm ----------------------------------- http://www.rubygarden.org/ruby?RubyNuby http://www.rubygarden.org/ruby?RubyTestimonials http://www.rubygarden.org/ruby?StarterProblems http://www.rubygarden.org/ruby?RealWorldRuby Also I'd mention Ruby on Rails, which is gaining widespread acceptance. ----------------------------------- wtd Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:10 pm ----------------------------------- Just thought I'd add that you can ask questions here, and if I'm in the IRC channel, you can feel free to ask questions there. :) ----------------------------------- lyam_kaskade Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:10 pm ----------------------------------- Rockin'. Thanks. :) I guess I'll get started then. ----------------------------------- Tony Fri Jun 24, 2005 2:02 pm Re: Learning Ruby over Summer ----------------------------------- so that I have some programming knowledge when I apply for my coop in january... Can anyone name some companies that use Ruby frequently? That's great -- keep in mind that for each job application, you'll be compeating with as much as 300 other students. So anything that makes you unique is of a great advantage. Last term I worked for Quest Software Inc., and I used Ruby to write web applications for internal use. Loads of fun. ----------------------------------- lyam_kaskade Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:56 pm ----------------------------------- Thanks. Anything else you can suggest to add uniqueness? Also, while we're on this topic, where do people live while they're on their co-op? ----------------------------------- Tony Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:23 pm ----------------------------------- Also, while we're on this topic, where do people live while they're on their co-op? At home, with my mother. Though that will not be the case if I get a job in another geographic location... say Germany? :think: ----------------------------------- Hikaru79 Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:53 pm ----------------------------------- Here's two great books: http://www.poignantguide.net/ruby/ (Not really a hardcore programming manual -- more like a comedy sketch that accidently teaches Ruby on the way ;)) http://www.rubycentral.com/book/ (A more comprehensive, serious look at Ruby) ----------------------------------- bullets Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:24 pm ----------------------------------- im learning ruby to (thx wtd) and hahahaha only the first couple paragraphs in and this comedy one is great (http://www.poignantguide.net/ruby/) ----------------------------------- Cervantes Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:56 pm ----------------------------------- Yeah, the start is funny. But later it tends to get less funny, and the story takes longer and longer to explain. It's getting quite annoying. Unless you still think it's funny, just skip over the story parts and jump into the code. ----------------------------------- bullets Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:59 pm ----------------------------------- lmao thats a bummer but whatever its programming whats really fun about it ----------------------------------- wtd Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:43 pm ----------------------------------- The Poignant Guide is more a lesson in abstract thinking that just happens to be a decent intro to Ruby. :) ----------------------------------- bullets Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:17 pm ----------------------------------- works for me, need to think more abstract a bit ----------------------------------- wtd Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:20 pm ----------------------------------- Good luc. And if you have questions... ASK! :) ----------------------------------- lyam_kaskade Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:02 pm ----------------------------------- Question: what exactly is Ruby on Rails, and what would I use it for? ----------------------------------- [Gandalf] Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:15 pm ----------------------------------- From what I know, it allows you to use Ruby on the internet, as a web application. wtd will tell you more... ----------------------------------- wtd Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:15 pm ----------------------------------- Ruby on Rails is a framework for easily creating web applications.