I feel somewhat out of place here amongst all the real developers, but
hopefully someone might look kindly upon my pitiful first steps into
the world of development. I’ve five weeks experience having just
recently enrolled in a webtechnoloy course, and my previous experience
is Nil. I’ve learned the basics of what classes and methods are, and
not much else. However within 8 weeks I’ll need to submit an e-
commerce site that has been developed on the rails framework.
Terrifying!!! Especially considering I’m having trouble even
installing rails. I’m using Windows. Our tutor has recommended using
Ruby Mine. I have been using Netbeans up to now. I’ve documented my
very humble first steps here http://ruby1ststeps.blogspot.com/ where
you can read the project as well.
Thanks in advance for any advice you might wish to offer.
yours,
L
On 6 March 2011 13:44, Linda K [email protected] wrote:
I feel somewhat out of place here amongst all the real developers, but
hopefully someone might look kindly upon my pitiful first steps into
the world of development. I’ve five weeks experience having just
recently enrolled in a webtechnoloy course, and my previous experience
is Nil.
That should be nil not Nil 
I’ve learned the basics of what classes and methods are, and
not much else. However within 8 weeks I’ll need to submit an e-
commerce site that has been developed on the rails framework.
Terrifying!!! Especially considering I’m having trouble even
installing rails. I’m using Windows.
Don’t use Windows for Rails development unless you really have no
choice. It is much easier on a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu or
on a Mac if that is an option.
Our tutor has recommended using
Ruby Mine. I have been using Netbeans up to now. I’ve documented my
very humble first steps here http://ruby1ststeps.blogspot.com/ where
you can read the project as well.
I advise against using an IDE, just use a decent editor with ruby and
syntax highlighting, such as jEdit or Komodo Edit, and work in the
console. Others get on ok with Netbeans and Ruby Mine however.
Work through the free online guide railstutorial.org. Then of course
the problem will be making your project not look too much like the
tutorial. 
Colin
On Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 9:32 AM, Colin L. [email protected]
wrote:
Our tutor has recommended using
Ruby Mine. I have been using Netbeans up to now. I’ve documented my
very humble first steps here http://ruby1ststeps.blogspot.com/ where
you can read the project as well.
I advise against using an IDE, just use a decent editor with ruby and
syntax highlighting, such as jEdit or Komodo Edit, and work in the
console. Others get on ok with Netbeans and Ruby Mine however.
There is nothing wrong with using an IDE. Just as there is nothing wrong
with using an editor. The tool you use in this case is based on
preference
and what you are most comfortable with. Your editor/IDE is just like a
screw
driver. If you like using Snap-on screw drivers and someone else likes
using
Craftsman you should not switch over just because they like it. There
should
be a value to you switching tools. Since you are just starting out you
will
not see the subtle differences and/or values of each so they don’t
matter.
Use what you are comfortable with.
I’ve looked at your blog and the error you are getting with Ruby Mine.
The
error is that Ruby Mine is looking for you to have the gem test-unit
installed on your system. Run gem install test-unit on your machine and
that
should fix your issue.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any other problems in
learning. You’ve started off on the right foot by getting formal
education
that can be easily supplemented and enhanced by this group’s experience.
If
this is the career for you then you have greatly boosted your chances of
success by getting the proper fundamentals in place.
B. *
Sorry for the delayed response.
http://rubykoans.com/ This will help you for learning Ruby language by
your self. I have learned most of Ruby through this.
I think you should first go through
Getting Started with Rails — Ruby on Rails Guides
and work out the example blog application they have illustrated. This
will help you to understand the Rails concepts.
Thanks.
KK