Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 664 pages
- Published by: Apress March 26, 2007
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1590597664
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1590597668
-
Book Dimensions:
9.2 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
- Weighs: 2.3 pounds
Product Description
Ruby is perhaps best known as the engine powering the hugely popular Ruby on Rails web framework. However, it is an extremely powerful and versatile programming language in its own right. It focuses on simplicity and offers a fully object-oriented environment.
Beginning Ruby is a thoroughly contemporary guide for every type of reader wanting to learn Ruby, from novice programmers to web developers to Ruby newcomers. It starts by explaining the principles behind object-oriented programming and within a few chapters builds toward creating a genuine Ruby application.
The book then explains key Ruby principles, such as classes and objects; projects, modules, and libraries; and other aspects of Ruby such as database access. In addition, Ruby on Rails is covered in depth, and the books appendixes provide essential reference information as well as a primer for experienced programmers.
About The Author
Peter Cooper is a highly experienced Ruby developer and trainer. He manages BigBold (www.bigbold.com), a Ruby training and development company, and has produced many commercial web sites using Ruby on Rails, the Ruby-based web framework. In addition, he created Code Snippets, one of the world's largest public code repositories, and Congress, an online chat client utilizing Ajax and Ruby on Rails. He also created Feed Digest, a feed distribution service that was recently profiled by
Business 2.0 magazine.
In addition to development work, Peter has written professionally about various development techniques and tools, producing over 100 articles. He was coeditor of WebDeveloper.com, and worked on iBoost.com and Webpedia.com.
He lives in Lincolnshire, England, with his girlfriend. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring mountains.
Reader Reviews
Beginning Ruby is easily one of the most readable and clearest technical texts I have encountered in a while. I am not a professional programmer just an experienced web designer. That means that I've been exposed to some programming in the form of Perl, PHP and JavaScript but don't really know them. At the urging of a knowledgeable friend I've decided to learn to program with Ruby. I've tried the online version of the Pickaxe book to start learning the process and found that it makes too many assumptions about programming skill for me. Not so Beginning Ruby. It is well written and assumes little programming background, not zero background but little. Perfect. Peter Cooper has managed to introduce topics in a logical and non-intimidating manner. Explanations are clear. The writing is conversational but neither wordy or pandering. After working through about a third of the book I am feeling positive about gaining a practical working knowledge of Ruby. I don't think it actually will bring me to a truly professional level. That will take years of practice and study. The first half or so of the book covers Ruby at the command line and text file levels. The focus of the second half moves towards using Ruby on the web. Ruby on Rails gets a more than cursory section and using Ruby without Rails in CGI is covered too, as is working with HTTP and other internet but not directly web content programming topics. Absent is coverage of any kind of GUI programming for Ruby. That's okay because making regular installed programs not my interest. Though with OS X now offering Ruby integration with its programming environment I may eventually want to learn more. But no one book can cover everything. If you are comfortable with hand editing code or using the command line then you should find Beginning Ruby a friendly text, part tutorial, part reference and at the introductory to intermediate levels excellent. I can't speak for the pros. Look for their reviews.
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