Would you like to go from first idea to working code much, much faster? Do you currently spend more time satisfying the compiler instead of your clients or end users? Are you frustrated with demanding languages that seem to get in your way, instead of getting the work done? Are you using Rails, and want to dig deeper into the underlying Ruby language? If so, then we've got a language and book for you!
Ruby 1.9 is the latest version of Ruby. It has many compelling features, including multinationalization support, new block scoping, and better performance. At the same time, the current Ruby 1.8 is still being maintained and is widely used. We're therefore releasing both the Ruby 1.9 version of the PickAxe (this book) alongside the 1.8 version of the PickAxe. Readers can choose the book that matches their environment.
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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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
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
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 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!)
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By H. Echegoyen
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.
10 of 11 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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
So far so good
This no-frills book is great as a reference manual and gives you everything you need to transition from another language to Ruby. Read more
Published 4 months ago by J Larsen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Love this book! This is a must have for all Ruby programmers, especially those who prefer looking things up in a book over using the Internet.
Published 6 months ago by Melanie Shebel
5.0 out of 5 stars
The definitive tome
As in previous editions, "Programming Ruby 1.9" covers the Ruby language and standard libraries in thorough detail. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Calamitous
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 13 months ago by C. F. Silva
4.0 out of 5 stars
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 14 months ago by Xiaoge Su
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good book
Great 'must read' book. Really appreciated all the hard work for authors to write this book. Highly recommend for reading.
Published 16 months ago by Bogdan Kulbida
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 on January 13, 2011 by Marcelo Olivas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ótima Picareta.
Gostei muito do livro, fácil entendimento aborda deste coisa simples até mais complexas. Agrada a todos os gostos.
Published on August 3, 2010 by Marcello Henrique
2.0 out of 5 stars
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 on July 12, 2010 by M. Toll
3.0 out of 5 stars
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 on July 9, 2010 by Booked
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