[Rails] New to Rails/Ruby how to proceed?

[Curtis Spendlove]

Robert,


Well, this is my first month.  I used to be a Java / C++ programmer 
(well ok it still pays the bills), but only until I can talk the boss 
into using Rails for some of the appropriate projects.  I have a few 
ideas for Enterprise Rails development that I would like to try out...  
Regardless, I got the Rails book first and worked through it.  Then I 
decided for my first "real" application I would simulate something 
reasonable but easy.  I started with the Login / Authentication portion 
to expand upon what I learned in the book.  I then added some stuff that 
clients would likely want (content management, etc).  It will end up 
being a quick core application.  So far it's going pretty well.  I'm now 
to the point where I want to understand Ruby and I'm purchasing the 
other book next week to start working through it and enhance my knowledge.

But Rails apps are *definitely* possible to write without hardcore 
understanding of Ruby.  And you could even sell them.  ;)  I have one 
that a client (ok, a friend, but still anyone who pays me money is a 
client) is looking at being enhanced for his line of business.  It may 
not impress the scholars, but I don't intend to show the scholars the 
code...  :)  It impressed the clients and that's what matters....

I'm also going to rewrite the core of my website in Rails, including 
client account management and such...  I think I could do all of it from 
what I know now without even reading the Ruby book.  And Rails code is 
easy to refactor...  Of course everything is in a Subversion repository 
so...there you go!  ;)

-Curtis

Robert Nicholson wrote:
> Being a somewhat jaded Java programmer I've decided to make an 
> evaluation of Ruby and Rails. I've purchased both the Pragmatic books 
> (Programming Ruby, Agile Web Development with Rails) and I'd like to 
> get people's opinions as to the best way to use them. When you were 
> learning Rails did you find that you had to read Programming Ruby 
> first or did you just keep it by your side for a reference whilst 
> reading thru the Agile Web Development book?
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