Ruby is a fully object-oriented language, much like the classic object-oriented language, Smalltalk. Like Smalltalk, it is dynamically typed (as opposed to Java or C++), but unlike Smalltalk, Ruby features the same conveniences found in modern scripting languages, making Ruby a favorite tool of intelligent, forward-thinking programmers and the basis for the Rails web framework.
This is the reference manual for Ruby, including a description of all the standard library modules, a complete reference to all built-in classes and modules (including all the new and changed methods introduced by Ruby 1.9). It also includes all the new and changed syntax and semantics introduced since Ruby 1.8. Learn about the new parameter passing rules, local variable scoping in blocks, fibers, multinationalization, and the new block declaration syntax, among other exciting new features.
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About the Author
Dave Thomas, as one of the authors of the Agile Manifesto, understands agility. As the author of "Programming Ruby," he understands Ruby. And, as an active Rails developer, he knows Rails.
Chad Fowler is an internationally known software developer, trainer, manager, speaker, and musician. Over the past decade he has worked with some of the world's largest companies and most admired software developers.
Chad is VP of Engineering at LivingSocial. He is co-organizer of RubyConf and RailsConf and author or co-author of a number of popular software books, including The Passionate Programmer: Creating a Remarkable Career in Software Development.
Andy Hunt is a programmer turned consultant, author and publisher. He co-authored the best-selling book "The Pragmatic Programmer", was one of the 17 founders of the Agile Alliance, and co-founded the Pragmatic Bookshelf, publishing award-winning and critically acclaimed books for software developers.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm coming at this as a Ruby beginner but experienced software developer. The book really got me up and working with Ruby very quickly. It's great for easily finding topics to explain code I'm reading and does a great job of explaining how features work that I'm new to (I'm coming mostly from C++ and am blown away by what Ruby can do!)
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I asked a very close trusted friend for a recommendation on a Ruby book, if I could only have one book which one should I get. His response was "The Pick Axe Book".
He was 100% correct. I already know, Java, C, C++, Python, Erlang, Bash and all the Microsoft languages. This book was perfect, it told me what I needed to know without being too introductory and patronizing and without being overly assumptive that I already knew what they were explaining.
If you can only have one Ruby book, get this one!
He was 100% correct. I already know, Java, C, C++, Python, Erlang, Bash and all the Microsoft languages. This book was perfect, it told me what I needed to know without being too introductory and patronizing and without being overly assumptive that I already knew what they were explaining.
If you can only have one Ruby book, get this one!
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Some of the reviews here are accurate in that this book is not a simplified explanation of the Ruby language. When I started looking into this technology for one of our projects I was amazed at how Ruby enthusiasts portrayed both the Ruby Language and Ruby on Rails as easy and straight forward. The truth is there is a lot to know about a programming langauge and a technology that will be used in a real life application, and the Ruby technology is not the exception.
That being said, the authors of this book do a great job explaining the syntax, the constructs, and other aspects of Ruby. The authors make sure to give updated (version 1.9 as of today) notes. There is even a reference section at the end.
The following book might be a bit easier to understand for a beginner: "The Ruby programming language By David Flanagan, Yukihiro Matsumoto". The book has great reviews and it's very thorough. I recommend looking at the contents through the online viewers before purchasing.
For quick, off the ground, training on Ruby I would recommend various tutorials and videos on the Web, in particular the ones on the Ruby and Ruby on Rails Web Sites. YouTube also has some very good tutorials.
That being said, the authors of this book do a great job explaining the syntax, the constructs, and other aspects of Ruby. The authors make sure to give updated (version 1.9 as of today) notes. There is even a reference section at the end.
The following book might be a bit easier to understand for a beginner: "The Ruby programming language By David Flanagan, Yukihiro Matsumoto". The book has great reviews and it's very thorough. I recommend looking at the contents through the online viewers before purchasing.
For quick, off the ground, training on Ruby I would recommend various tutorials and videos on the Web, in particular the ones on the Ruby and Ruby on Rails Web Sites. YouTube also has some very good tutorials.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent for learning Ruby and as a reference
This is an excellent purchase for those who want to learn Ruby or work with the language. It teaches you everything you need to know step by step, clearly. Read more
Published 1 month ago by C. F. Silva
Perfect book for Ruby users, need some advanced topics
I bought this book because reading a paper-back book is more comfortable than the online book on ruby-doc. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Xiaoge Su
Really good book
Great 'must read' book. Really appreciated all the hard work for authors to write this book. Highly recommend for reading.
Published 4 months ago by Bogdan Kulbida
Require book for anyone who wants to start programming Ruby
Michael Feathers once tweeted, "Pair a good Java programmer with a good Ruby programmer and the Java programmer will start programming Ruby in a week", after I read this book, it... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Marcelo Olivas
Ótima Picareta.
Gostei muito do livro, fácil entendimento aborda deste coisa simples até mais complexas. Agrada a todos os gostos.
Published 21 months ago by Marcello Henrique
For advanced programmers interested in all the theory
I really didn't enjoy this book. I purchased this book based upon the reviews and my hope was to use it to get up to speed on Ruby in a rapid manner. Read more
Published 22 months ago by M. Toll
Others better
The book offers lots of detail and theoretical/algebraic examples. Very dense even on simple facets of ruby, but then gets lost in theory trying to explain moderately difficult... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Booked
Life changing
I used to work with PHP, C++ and Java, until I found Ruby! This book is a great pass to a bright future for programmers. Read more
Published 22 months ago by LucasP
Great Reference for Veterans and Noobs Alike
I've been using Rails for a few years, but I never dug deeply into Ruby. This book is one of the best technical books I have read, it keeps you engaged, which is very touch to do... Read more
Published on March 21, 2010 by Brandon Harris
Not for beginners
This book was purchased for a class in the digital humanities. The book was very helpful when writing programs for the class, but as a beginner, I would have been lost using the... Read more
Published on November 23, 2009 by Karalyne S. Lowery
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