So like many people, I’m excited about Ruby on Rails. Being a Windows user, I downloaded InstantRails, got it going, and followed along with the screencast on how to make a blog with RoR 2.0 in fifteen minutes. I used Notepad++ as my text editor, because that’s what I’ve traditionally used for writing the PHP-based websites I’ve done in the past. I was a little envious of Mac users and how they get the really attractive-looking TextMate, but I managed to follow through the entire screencast and get everything working smoothly.
However, I was lost most of the time.
I know plenty of programming and scripting languages over the years – C++, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, and Lua just to name a few. I don’t know Ruby, but I understand a lot of how it works, as far as the syntax is concerned, but I don’t understand a lot of the logic behind why certain files do certain things, and that sort of thing.
Also, I tried Aptana with RadRails, but found it difficult to set up. Is there any concrete tutorial for getting it set up and working fully with Ruby on Rails 2.0?
Should I maybe just wait for more RoR 2.0 tutorials to come out before attempting to learn RoR? Or should I just plow on through and experiment until I figure it out?
If you are really serious about learning Rails, my advice is to get a good book and read it (I know.. programmers don’t read books, but you should!). A ‘good book on Rails‘ usually contain a chapter on Ruby, but there are plenty of resources on the web to get you going.
According to Ruby on Rails guides:
I’m personally using Simply Rails 2, which uses (surprise, surprise) Rails 2. It walks you through the development of a Digg clone.
If you still don’t wanna use a book, you should check out Ruby on Rails guides and the Ruby on Rails Wiki. AFAIK, They are being regularly updated to keep up with new releases of Rails.