Ask HN: Should I Learn Ruby?

Post by andrewtj » Sun, Jul 11, 2010, 2:32 AM UTC

acangiano wrote: post #14

zedshaw wrote: post #13

I'd say, learn Python or Ruby, doesn't matter, but try them both for a few days. One will click and the other won't. If you go the Python route, I've got a free book I'm working for beginners that might be too beginner for you: http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ But I reference two other books on that page which actually could be a good start for you. After that, check out the Django book: http://www.djangobook.com/en…

I generally agree with your comment, but I found this stament to be inaccurate: > (more popular than Rails actually) [citation needed]. The largest websites/web applications in the world are built in Rails much more frequently than in Django. And there is much more demand for Rails developers in the marketplace. I fail to see evidence that Django is actually used more than Rails is in the real world.

Post by acpigeon » Sun, Jul 11, 2010, 2:38 AM UTC

lowkey wrote: post #44

zedshaw wrote: post #13

I'd say, learn Python or Ruby, doesn't matter, but try them both for a few days. One will click and the other won't. If you go the Python route, I've got a free book I'm working for beginners that might be too beginner for you: http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ But I reference two other books on that page which actually could be a good start for you. After that, check out the Django book: http://www.djangobook.com/en…

I second the suggestion of trying out both Ruby and Python. Both languages are modern and agile but with distinct styles such that one will likely fit your brain better than the other. Also, regarding Python web frameworks, I would highly recommend looking at Web2Py over Django for your needs (something that gets you up and running with a minimum of fuss) Web2Py is supposed to be more Rails-like than Django which mig…

Post by binspace » Sun, Jul 11, 2010, 2:50 AM UTC

acpigeon wrote: post #50

rufugee wrote: post #46

As someone who has done 4 years of Rails development and has recently switched to Django for new projects, I can tell you it would be worthwhile to learn both. Ruby and Rails are great most of the time, and the Ruby way of doing things is a great learning experience. That said, I threw my hands up after running into multiple libraries duck punching (monkey patching) ActiveSupport into a mangled, conflicting mess one…

That's a helpful metaphor. What I'm looking for is a framework that can be used for rapid prototyping, and it sounds like rails fits the bill.

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Jul 11, 2010, 2:57 AM UTC

[deleted] wrote: post #54

[deleted] wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[deleted]

[deleted]

Post by acpigeon » Sun, Jul 11, 2010, 2:59 AM UTC

binspace wrote: post #55

acpigeon wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a helpful metaphor. What I'm looking for is a framework that can be used for rapid prototyping, and it sounds like rails fits the bill.

You may also want to consider Sinatra for rapid prototyping. It's lighter weight (less framework) than Rails. Depending on your preferences, it may suite your needs.