You’ve embarked on your programming journey, encountering a familiar hurdle right from the start: the uncertainty of where to begin and what to prioritize. But you’ve already made a significant decision – to delve into Ruby on Rails. Bravo! By opting for this path, you’re entering a dynamic community of individuals with similar interests.
At OVE, our team is passionate about the Ruby programming language, and we’re eager to assist you in mastering Rails. Follow our straightforward, step-by-step guide to discover how you can learn Ruby on Rails.
Ruby on Rails 101, or Master the Beginner Level
Learn CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
You might be curious why CSS, HTML, and JavaScript are often mentioned together. Simply put, HTML structures the content of a website (such as tables, blocks, and images) using tags. CSS then dictates how these elements should appear on the website. Finally, JavaScript adds dynamism to a website, allowing it to respond to user interactions, create passwords, or alter values in form inputs.
To become a front-end developer, mastering CSS, HTML, and JavaScript is essential. Although Ruby on Rails covers both backend (server-side) and front-end web development (client-side), starting with front-end basics is crucial.
Here are a few resources to help you learn the fundamentals of front-end web development:
The “Intro to HTML and CSS” course on Udacity takes a unique approach compared to similar courses. Instead of focusing solely on syntax, this course encourages you to think like a real front-end developer. You’ll learn how to translate design mockups into web pages step by step. Additionally, the course includes a section on responsive design techniques, which are often overlooked in other HTML/CSS courses.
“Make a Website” course by Codecademy guides you through building your first website while teaching you the fundamentals of CSS and HTML. The course is available for free, but you can access additional features with a paid plan.
Learn Ruby Before Rails
Before diving into Ruby on Rails, it’s important to understand the distinction between Ruby and Rails. Ruby is a programming language, while Ruby on Rails (commonly referred to as “Rails”) is a web application framework – a set of pre-written code that simplifies website development. Rails builds upon Ruby, offering solutions to common problems and streamlining the development process.
For beginners, the question often arises: should you learn Ruby before tackling Ruby on Rails? We believe so. Starting with Ruby provides a solid foundation. While Rails provides convenient solutions, encountering more complex issues may require understanding Ruby at a deeper level.
There are various ways to learn Ruby, including online courses, books, video tutorials, and mentorship programs. Regardless of the method you choose, practice is essential for success. Merely acquiring theoretical knowledge without practical application is insufficient.
Here are some recommended resources to learn Ruby basics:
Code School: This online platform offers courses in Ruby and other programming languages, such as HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, and .Net. Code School’s interactive approach includes engaging storylines, concise explanations, video tutorials, and in-browser coding practice. The Try Ruby course is a great starting point, and it’s even integrated into RubyGarage’s educational program.
“Learn to Program (The Facets of Ruby Series)” by Chris Pine: Designed for absolute beginners, this book guides you from writing your first program to creating basic video games. Emphasizing the importance of practice, it demonstrates that programming skills are honed through hands-on experience.
Learn Ruby on Rails
Once you’ve mastered Ruby, you’re ready to delve into learning Rails! Some new developers might question why they should focus on Ruby on Rails amidst other frameworks. However, the answer is clear: this web application framework is exceptionally suited for startups, offering extensive out-of-the-box functionality, rapid deployment, and scalability. Let’s explore some online educational platforms and recommended books to help you master the basics of RoR.
When it comes to online Rails courses, many platforms offer similar content. Here are a few that we personally recommend:
Code School’s “Rails for Zombies Redux” courses: Despite its playful name, this course covers essential topics such as CRUD principles, Active Record models, and MVC architecture. It’s tailored for individuals with some programming, web development, and Ruby knowledge. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a badge to showcase on your CV.
Codecademy’s “Learn Ruby on Rails” course: Designed for beginner programmers, Codecademy provides practical skills that can be applied immediately. You’ll learn how to build a Flipboard-like homepage, manage code versions with Git, and more. The lessons combine theory with hands-on coding practice using an in-browser simulator. Tip: Take notes while reading the reference material to reinforce your learning.
Additionally, here are some highly recommended books favored by Ruby/Rails developers:
“Agile Web Development with Rails 4” by Sam Ruby, David Thomas, and David Heinemeier Hansson: This comprehensive guide covers Rails installation, architecture (models, views, controllers), and introduces Ruby fundamentals. You’ll build your first storefront with practical exercises that gradually increase in complexity. The book’s practical approach is enhanced by story-driven chapters and iterative exercises.
“Ruby on Rails Tutorial” by Michael Hartl: Many developers credit their Rails knowledge to Hartl’s tutorial. This book guides you through the entire web development cycle, emphasizing coding best practices and test writing. Each chapter includes exercises to reinforce learning, with the main project being a Twitter-like app.
These resources will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become proficient in Ruby on Rails development.
Boost Your Skills: Ruby/Rails Intermediate Level
After you’ve learned the Ruby/Rails basics, you’ll probably want to go further and build more complicated applications with features like import/export of data, implementation of public/ private APIs and admin panels. Here are some resources to help you get there:
Become high-flying Rubyist
Books play a crucial role in programming education and shouldn’t be underestimated. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, quality programming books stay current through updates and revisions. To help you navigate the plethora of resources available on Ruby and Rails, we’ve curated a selection of particularly noteworthy books. Here are some recommendations that delve into advanced Ruby features for proficient Rubyists:
“The Well-Grounded Rubyist (Second Edition)” by David A. Black: Assuming a foundational programming background, this book introduces object-oriented programming concepts comprehensively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, you’ll find value in its pages. From basic topics like installing Ruby to more advanced and dynamic Ruby features, Black guides readers through a structured learning journey.
“The Ruby Programming Language” by David Flanagan and Yukihiro Matsumoto: Authored by Yukihiro Matsumoto, the creator of Ruby, along with David Flanagan, a seasoned JavaScript and Java developer, this book is essential reading for anyone serious about mastering Ruby. While it’s recommended to have prior programming experience, the book provides a well-structured reference covering all aspects of Ruby. Although it lacks practice exercises, its thorough coverage makes it an invaluable resource for learning Ruby.
Practice Ruby on Rails
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. In the beginning, you’ll familiarize yourself with Ruby’s syntax and work through pre-written scenarios. However, as you progress as a Rubyist, it’s crucial to apply what you’ve learned.
To deepen your understanding, we recommend “The Rails 4 Way” by Obie Fernandez. Dubbed the “Bible” for Rails developers, this reference book is a valuable resource for any queries you may have about Rails core concepts. It offers comprehensive coverage and practical insights, with in-depth explanations and focused chapters on gems and process optimization. Whether you’re seeking clarification or diving into advanced topics, this book serves as an indispensable companion for Rails development.
Join Ruby/Rails communities
Remember that the Ruby/Rails community is known for being one of the most welcoming and lively communities out there! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are eager to share insights and offer support. Here are some valuable resources for you to engage with the Ruby/Rails community:
StackOverflow and Quora: StackOverflow is a go-to platform for developers of all backgrounds where you can ask any software development-related question and receive enthusiastic responses. Quora, on the other hand, offers a space for sharing insights across various topics. Whether you have technical queries or more general inquiries about programming, both platforms provide valuable resources.
Ruby on Rails Link: Rails Slack community: Slack is a widely-used messaging platform for teams, and joining a Slack community dedicated to Rails allows you to easily connect with fellow enthusiasts. Discussions are organized into topics such as Front-end, Coding, and Work, making it easy to find relevant conversations and connect with others passionate about Rails.
GitHub: Participating in existing projects on GitHub is an excellent way to hone your skills, collaborate with others, and gain valuable experience by contributing to real-world software development. Even if you’re not yet comfortable writing extensive code, you can still contribute by fixing bugs or making improvements. Check out open-source projects on GitHub to learn more about their benefits and the role they play in a developer’s journey.
Advanced Ruby/Rails – still a long way to go!
Once you’ve grasped the basics of Ruby and Rails, the learning journey continues. It’s vital to embark on building your applications to gain invaluable experience. Embrace the process of making mistakes and learning how to rectify them, and don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in challenging concepts to discover solutions. Take inspiration from individuals like Jennifer Dewalt, who famously constructed 180 websites in 180 days; her remarkable dedication serves as a motivating reminder of what’s achievable.
As you begin crafting your code, focus on enhancing the quality of your output. Prioritize coding best practices such as DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself), KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), and YAGNI (You Aren’t Gonna Need It) to ensure your code remains maintainable and free from unnecessary complexity. By adhering to these principles, you’ll avoid reinventing the wheel and resist the temptation to add superfluous features.
Looking ahead, it’s likely that you’ll collaborate on web applications as part of a team. Therefore, mastering Git – a version control system – is essential. Git facilitates the management of your codebase and enables you to track changes, ensuring seamless collaboration and providing a safety net for your project’s progress. Embrace Git as a valuable programming practice that empowers you to safeguard your code and monitor your development journey.
Conclusion
Mastering coding is undoubtedly challenging, despite the abundance of diligently crafted and passionately created resources available. We’ve shared our personal recommendations for books and websites tailored for individual study. However, regardless of the learning approach you adopt, it’s crucial to translate theory into practice and seek guidance from experienced developers. Instead of dwelling on how long it will take to learn Ruby on Rails, focus on setting clear goals and giving your best effort to accomplish them. Wishing you the best of luck on your learning journey!
