Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#1

Post by georgel » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 11:36 PM UTC

I started a new job where I need to get up to speed with RoR. I've dabbled with it a decade ago, and understand the scaffolding/generators/etc but still feel very out of place on actual fundamentals.

I have been doing lots of iOS, Python, React/Angular and Node.js/Express work for the last 10+ years so I am not looking for "how to learn to program" type books, more so understanding the patterns of Ruby/Rails.

Re: Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#2

Post by bigwheeler » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 11:41 PM UTC

I’d run through PragProg’s Agile Web with Rails first, and then The Rails 8 Way if you want a reference. Books are good, but jumping into videos from GoRails or Drifting Ruby might help more with real world patterns and problem solving with Rails.

Re: Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#3

Post by georgel » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 11:48 PM UTC

bigwheeler wrote: post #2

I’d run through PragProg’s Agile Web with Rails first, and then The Rails 8 Way if you want a reference. Books are good, but jumping into videos from GoRails or Drifting Ruby might help more with real world patterns and problem solving with Rails.

My manager recommended Agile Web Rails 8. Will spend the weekend diving into that.

Re: Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#4

Post by Alifatisk » Sat, Jan 17, 2026, 1:58 PM UTC

Rails website has its own guide which is very good on its own!

Re: Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#5

Post by Leftium » Sun, Jan 18, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC

Not sure if this would be helpful, but your question reminded me of this classic: https://poignant.guide

Context (the author): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Why_the_lucky_stiff

Re: Ask HN: Books to Learn Ruby/Rails?

#6

Post by atsaloli » Sun, Jan 18, 2026, 11:33 AM UTC

Ruby on Rails tutorial by mhartl et al would be my go to https://www.railstutorial.org/