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Hi, We're in agreement on the issue - I'm currently weighing some ideas for a web-based app so that's where I'm looking to expand my proficiency.

jaredonline 15y ago
I see. I have a bias towards Ruby and Rails because that's what I do. I've never used Python or Django, but I've heard that they're comparable. That being said, I would recommend you learn Ruby 1.9.2 and Rails 3.1. The community is great, the framework is amazing, and there are a lot of resources freely available, like Railscasts, to help you along your way. I would stay away from PHP and Java.
- SuperString 15y ago
  Thanks a million - you're actually not the first person to mention staying away from Java and PHP - why is that, I wonder?
  - jaredonline 15y ago
    Well, Java is just a pain in the arse to setup and configure. And PHP lacks the same sorts of tools you can get with the Ruby community. Not to mention PHP only really started making an attempt at OOP with PHP 5, and Ruby was designed from the onset to be OOP. Everything in Ruby is an object, so you can do some really neat stuff like 1.to_s to turn an Integer into a String. Add Ruby's cleanliness and readability to the mix, and it's a standout winner over PHP.
    - SuperString 15y ago
      Great stuff, thanks for taking the time to respond! I found what looks to be a good book on Ruby on Amazon (by it's creator and another co-writer)
      - jaredonline 15y ago
        I'm a book-learner myself, and I highly recommend the Ruby and RoR books from Pragmatic Programmers (http://www.pragprog.com http://www.pragprog.com)
        SuperString 15y ago
        Wonderful - I've looked at the titles, there's a lot of interesting stuff by the looks of it. Is there a particular Ruby title you'd recommend to a beginner Ruby programmer?
        jaredonline 15y ago
        Sorry for the late response. I would look at Agile Web Development With Rails (4th Ed), Programming Ruby (2nd Ed), and The RSpec Book.

jaredonline 15y ago

I see. I have a bias towards Ruby and Rails because that's what I do. I've never used Python or Django, but I've heard that they're comparable. That being said, I would recommend you learn Ruby 1.9.2 and Rails 3.1. The community is great, the framework is amazing, and there are a lot of resources freely available, like Railscasts, to help you along your way. I would stay away from PHP and Java.

SuperString 15y ago
Thanks a million - you're actually not the first person to mention staying away from Java and PHP - why is that, I wonder?
- jaredonline 15y ago
  Well, Java is just a pain in the arse to setup and configure. And PHP lacks the same sorts of tools you can get with the Ruby community. Not to mention PHP only really started making an attempt at OOP with PHP 5, and Ruby was designed from the onset to be OOP. Everything in Ruby is an object, so you can do some really neat stuff like 1.to_s to turn an Integer into a String. Add Ruby's cleanliness and readability to the mix, and it's a standout winner over PHP.
  - SuperString 15y ago
    Great stuff, thanks for taking the time to respond! I found what looks to be a good book on Ruby on Amazon (by it's creator and another co-writer)
    - jaredonline 15y ago
      I'm a book-learner myself, and I highly recommend the Ruby and RoR books from Pragmatic Programmers (http://www.pragprog.com http://www.pragprog.com)
      - SuperString 15y ago
        Wonderful - I've looked at the titles, there's a lot of interesting stuff by the looks of it. Is there a particular Ruby title you'd recommend to a beginner Ruby programmer?
        jaredonline 15y ago
        Sorry for the late response. I would look at Agile Web Development With Rails (4th Ed), Programming Ruby (2nd Ed), and The RSpec Book.