# New to Rails/Ruby how to proceed? **URL:** \ **Category:** Rails\ **Created:** [May 3, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/new-to-rails-ruby-how-to-proceed/59315 "2006-05-03T18:56:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/cc9497/32.png) [@gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/gman327)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/new-to-rails-ruby-how-to-proceed/59315/1 "2006-05-03T18:56:55Z")
Being a somewhat jaded Java programmer I’ve decided to make an evaluation of Ruby and Rails. I’ve purchased both the Pragmatic books (Programming Ruby, Agile Web D. with Rails) and I’d like to get people’s opinions as to the best way to use them. When you were learning Rails did you find that you had to read Programming Ruby first or did you just keep it by your side for a reference whilst reading thru the Agile Web D. book? ---
**Author:** ![gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/cc9497/32.png) [@gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/gman327)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/new-to-rails-ruby-how-to-proceed/59315/2 "2006-05-03T18:56:55Z")
On Apr 30, 2006, at 3:50 PM, Robert N. wrote: > Being a somewhat jaded Java programmer I’ve decided to make an > evaluation of Ruby and Rails. I’ve purchased both the Pragmatic > books (Programming Ruby, Agile Web D. with Rails) and I’d > like to get people’s opinions as to the best way to use them. When > you were learning Rails did you find that you had to read > Programming Ruby first or did you just keep it by your side for a > reference whilst reading thru the Agile Web D. book? It really depends on how you enjoy learning. Much of what Rails is great at… is due to being written in Ruby. However, you can follow along with most Rails tutorials without knowing much or any Ruby. Is your goal to build a web application? Dig into Rails. Is your goal to learn Ruby? Jump into irb and play around for a while. Mileage will vary… just remember to do what you enjoy and attempt to have some fun. 🙂 Good luck! Cheers, robby Robby R. Founder & Executive Director PLANET ARGON, LLC Ruby on Rails Development, Consulting & Hosting > **[Planet Argon](https://www.planetargon.com)** > > Planet Argon is a Ruby on Rails development agency specializing in maintenance and support for existing Rails apps. Based in Portland, OR, Planet Argon has been a member of the Rails community since 2004. [www.robbyonrails.com](http://www.robbyonrails.com) +1 503 445 2457 +1 877 55 ARGON [toll free] +1 815 642 4968 [fax] ---
**Author:** ![gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/cc9497/32.png) [@gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/gman327)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 6:57pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/new-to-rails-ruby-how-to-proceed/59315/3 "2006-05-03T18:57:06Z")
Robert, Well, this is my first month. I used to be a Java / C++ programmer (well ok it still pays the bills), but only until I can talk the boss into using Rails for some of the appropriate projects. I have a few ideas for Enterprise Rails development that I would like to try out… Regardless, I got the Rails book first and worked through it. Then I decided for my first “real” application I would simulate something reasonable but easy. I started with the Login / Authentication portion to expand upon what I learned in the book. I then added some stuff that clients would likely want (content management, etc). It will end up being a quick core application. So far it’s going pretty well. I’m now to the point where I want to understand Ruby and I’m purchasing the other book next week to start working through it and enhance my knowledge. But Rails apps are _definitely_ possible to write without hardcore understanding of Ruby. And you could even sell them. 😉 I have one that a client (ok, a friend, but still anyone who pays me money is a client) is looking at being enhanced for his line of business. It may not impress the scholars, but I don’t intend to show the scholars the code… 🙂 It impressed the clients and that’s what matters… I’m also going to rewrite the core of my website in Rails, including client account management and such… I think I could do all of it from what I know now without even reading the Ruby book. And Rails code is easy to refactor… Of course everything is in a Subversion repository so…there you go! 😉 -Curtis ---
**Author:** ![gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/cc9497/32.png) [@gman327](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/gman327)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/new-to-rails-ruby-how-to-proceed/59315/4 "2006-05-03T18:56:57Z")
On Sun, 30 Apr 2006, Robert N. wrote: > Being a somewhat jaded Java programmer I’ve decided to make an > evaluation of Ruby and Rails. I’ve purchased both the Pragmatic books > (Programming Ruby, Agile Web D. with Rails) and I’d like to get > people’s opinions as to the best way to use them. When you were learning > Rails did you find that you had to read Programming Ruby first or did > you just keep it by your side for a reference whilst reading thru the > Agile Web D. book? I’m just coming to Ruby and Rails (although not from Java) and have just had to try and figure the same things out. Many people told me not to look at Rails till I was quite comfortable with Ruby, and this slowed me down a lot. I wound up giving “Programming Ruby” a quick read, to see all the things in the syntax and to get familiar with some of the more unique Ruby idioms. Then, I went through the Agile Web Dev book, building the examples along with them, and playing with the bits that seemed interesting. That seemed to work for me, and if you’re an experienced developer, I’d suggest similar. I can tell there’s a ton of things I’m doing that aren’t the most idiomatic, but I’m getting things done. The idioms and details will come. Rails is pretty neat, so far. – Louis Erickson - removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid - [Lou's Home Page!](http://www.rdwarf.com/~wwonko/) “Gee, Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.”