Since you already have a full time job my advice would be to take your
time and learn Ruby before learning Rails. Understanding Ruby goes a
long way in understanding (and extending) Rails. Sure you can get
away without understanding it, but you won't get as far and things
won't make as much sense. I wouldn't recommend doing any Rails
without first learning at least the basics of Ruby.
There are a lot of books out there, some online and free (google -
humble ruby book, saphire ruby).
Once you've gotten some Ruby in you, build a simple app that you
understand the business-cases for -- that way you can focus on the new
Rails side without worrying about what it is you're trying to do.
That should give you lots of jumping off points for other aspects of
the rails world (testing, file attachments, authentication, etc. etc.
etc.)
Since you can't influence your day job's technology, put everything
you do into a Github account. This then becomes a testament to what
you can -- and more importantly *have* -- done. I've noticed more and
more job offers say "send your resume and link to your github account."
The other things I would recommend are to actively read this list and
see if you can figure out the answers to the questions people are
asking. You might not know, but the digging around in the Rails
source can be enlightening all the same.
Browse the lighthouse tickets and see if you can't fix any, contribute
to any of the gems/plugins you use -- even if it's just documentation.
Good luck!
-philip
On Jan 6, 2010, at 7:07 PM, tundal45 wrote:
I am learning Rails & Ruby right now with the ultimate goal of using
these technologies full time. However, my current job is at a windows
shop & I am not in a position to influence any decisions on what
technologies to use. I have a limited understanding of web
development. However, my database skills have improved significantly
thanks to my role in my current job. Given this background, I was
wondering what I need to achieve before starting to look for a job as
a Rails developer.
Obviously learning Rails & fundamentals of Ruby as soon as possible is
on the list. Learning the tools of the trade in terms of Git & RSpec &
others is also something that is on my list. I wanted to get a sense
of what are other things I could do to substitute for work experience?
Participating in the community I think would be a great way to do it
but I wanted to get a sense of the competency level that is a minimum
to do this successfully. What are other action items that I need to
pay attention to?
I would also really appreciate it if people could tell me what are the
ways they found were the most effective in terms of learning Rails.
How much of Ruby do you delve into before you build complex apps? How
far can you go & get away with without focusing too much on Ruby?
Thank you very much. I am willing to invest the necessary time in
learning the language and building a solid foundation. I just need a
little guidance from the community to point me in the right direction.
Thank you very much for your guidance! It is very much appreciated!
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Ruby on Rails: Talk" group.
To post to this group, send email to rubyonrails-
[email protected].
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]
.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rubyonrails-talk?hl=en
.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ruby
on Rails: Talk" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected].
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
[email protected].
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/rubyonrails-talk?hl=en.
