concur with Steve's list; AWDwR is the essential Rails reference, 2nd edition was just published a few weeks ago so be sure to get the new version; ditto Programming Ruby "pickax" is the classic Ruby language text. Am just starting to read the new 2nd edition of Hal Fulton's Ruby Way, so can't yet suggest what role it fills on a ruby bookshelf, but I understand it's very well-regarded and my initial sense is that it'll be a useful addition and a good source for techniques. It's not trying to be a tutorial, so it might be more effective as a second book after you've learned the language basics and need a stronger understanding of the idioms and the reason why you can can/should do things in certain ways. Another book that I'd recommend is David Black's Ruby for Rails; I'd almost suggest it as a first ruby book (backed up by Programming Ruby which is more effective in its language reference sections) for someone whose principal focus for learning Ruby is to become an effective Rails programmer. R4R is both a good text on the Ruby language and has nice discussions of some of the more interesting features of the language, while at the same time using Rails examples to provide a focus. If you're going to work in Rails, you really need to become a competent Ruby programmer as well. It's probably possible to get fairly well along with only a superficial understanding of Ruby, but you'll be far more effective if you have a good grasp of the the language and its idioms. ~ Deb
_____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen Waits Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 8:49 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Sdruby] Ruby on Rails class at UCSD Extension -- your thoughts? On Dec 21, 2006, at 7:00 PM, Alan Lane wrote: What are the generally accepted texts for learning Ruby (the pickaxe book, of course) and Rails? I want to compare your thoughts with what the course text/s end up being. Generally, these are most common.. * Agile Web Development with Rails, 2e * Ruby Programming, 2e (pickaxe) And I'd personally add The Ruby Way, 2e. --Steve
_______________________________________________ Sdruby mailing list [email protected] http://lists.sdruby.com/mailman/listinfo/sdruby
