# Programming Ruby For Newbies **URL:** \ **Category:** ruby-talk\ **Created:** [4 September 2007 01:18 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360 "2007-09-04T01:18:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jin\_Dynasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7c8e57/32.png) [@Jin\_Dynasty](https://rubytalk.org/u/Jin_Dynasty)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 01:18 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/1 "2007-09-04T01:18:56Z")
Howdy there, I have always been interested in programming. I looked for books, but it treated me like a pro. Please let me state now: I have not done any programming before. I looked around, and Ruby seems most appealing to me, so I picked it as a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide for dummies. I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for your recommendation or referrals. Thanks in advanced, Jin > **路路路** > > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/](http://www.ruby-forum.com/). ---
**Author:** ![Phlip5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e99b99/32.png) [@Phlip5](https://rubytalk.org/u/Phlip5)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 01:50 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/2 "2007-09-04T01:50:04Z")
Jin Dynasty wrote: > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. Books are so Last Millenium. Try a website where you are coached to write Ruby code: [http://tryruby.hobix.com/](http://tryruby.hobix.com/) > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > for dummies. Please don't tempt us. 馃槈 > **路路路** > > -- >   Phlip >   [Test Driven Ajax (on Rails) [Book]](http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596510657/) >   "Test Driven Ajax (on Rails)" >   assert\_xpath, assert\_javascript, & assert\_ajax ---
**Author:** ![David\_A\_Black3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6a8cbe/32.png) [@David\_A\_Black3](https://rubytalk.org/u/David_A_Black3)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 02:03 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/3 "2007-09-04T02:03:23Z")
Hi -- > **路路路** > > On Tue, 4 Sep 2007, Jin Dynasty wrote: > > > Howdy there, > > I have always been interested in programming. I looked for books, but it > > treated me like a pro. Please let me state now: I have not done any > > programming before. > > > > I looked around, and Ruby seems most appealing to me, so I picked it as > > a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 > > > > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. > > > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > > for dummies. > > > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > your recommendation or referrals. > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > David > > -- > \* Books: >    RAILS ROUTING (new! [http://www.awprofessional.com/title/0321509242\](http://www.awprofessional.com/title/0321509242%5C)) >    RUBY FOR RAILS ([http://www.manning.com/black\](http://www.manning.com/black%5C)) > \* Ruby/Rails training >      & consulting: Ruby Power and Light, LLC ([http://www.rubypal.com](http://www.rubypal.com)) ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_Hunter4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tim\_Hunter4](https://rubytalk.org/u/Tim_Hunter4)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 02:08 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/4 "2007-09-04T02:08:05Z")
Jin Dynasty wrote: > Howdy there, > I have always been interested in programming. I looked for books, but it > treated me like a pro. Please let me state now: I have not done any > programming before. > > I looked around, and Ruby seems most appealing to me, so I picked it as > a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 > > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > for dummies. Check out Peter Cooper's \_Beginning\_Ruby\_, from Apress. > **路路路** > > -- > RMagick OS X Installer [[http://rubyforge.org/projects/rmagick/\](http://rubyforge.org/projects/rmagick/%5C)] > RMagick Hints & Tips [[http://rubyforge.org/forum/forum.php?forum\_id=1618\](http://rubyforge.org/forum/forum.php?forum_id=1618%5C)] > RMagick Installation FAQ [[http://rmagick.rubyforge.org/install-faq.html\](http://rmagick.rubyforge.org/install-faq.html%5C)] ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://rubytalk.org/u/Thomas_Wieczorek)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 06:40 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/5 "2007-09-04T06:40:47Z")
I really love why's guide: [http://poignantguide.net/ruby/](http://poignantguide.net/ruby/) It woke the interest for Ruby in me and kept me digging deeper in it. I love the cartoons and the crazy sidebars > **路路路** > > 2007/9/4, Jin Dynasty \: > > > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. ---
**Author:** ![7stud1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/59ef9b/32.png) [@7stud1](https://rubytalk.org/u/7stud1)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 11:30 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/6 "2007-09-04T11:30:14Z")
Jin Dynasty wrote: > Now I > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. I'm reading it now, and I agree with you--a newcomer to programming has no chance of understanding it, so don't feel bad. > **路路路** > > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/\](http://www.ruby-forum.com/%5C). ---
**Author:** ![rgossen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@rgossen](https://rubytalk.org/u/rgossen)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 14:50 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/7 "2007-09-04T14:50:09Z")
I am also a Ruby and programming newb, and I have bought countless books. I would recommend that you start with Chris Pine's "Learn to Program." From there, I would go with David Black's "Ruby for Rails," particularly if you plan to get into Rails. Other responses mentioned Peter Cooper's "Beginning Ruby" and I found that to be a good book as well. Rahlyn ---
**Author:** ![Jeremy\_Woertink1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Jeremy\_Woertink1](https://rubytalk.org/u/Jeremy_Woertink1)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 17:48 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/8 "2007-09-04T17:48:02Z")
Jin Dynasty wrote: > Howdy there, > I have always been interested in programming. I looked for books, but it > treated me like a pro. Please let me state now: I have not done any > programming before. > > I looked around, and Ruby seems most appealing to me, so I picked it as > a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 > > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > for dummies. > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > your recommendation or referrals. > > Thanks in advanced, > Jin "You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/"](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/"); I agree with David, this was the first programming book I ever read. You will want to read it twice though. I was in the same boat you were in. I hate reading, and it takes me a while to understand some of these things. He has you do small examples in the book and gives you small tests. If you make it through completely 1 time through, then start back at the beginning like it's your first time through, and you will catch so much you missed the first time. ~Jeremy > **路路路** > > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/\](http://www.ruby-forum.com/%5C). ---
**Author:** ![Lloyd\_Linklater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/919ad9/32.png) [@Lloyd\_Linklater](https://rubytalk.org/u/Lloyd_Linklater)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 19:01 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/9 "2007-09-04T19:01:58Z")
Jin Dynasty wrote: > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > for dummies. There is something close: > **[dummies - Learning Made Easy](https://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0470081201.html)** > > dummies transforms the hard-to-understand into easy-to-use to enable learners at every level to fuel their pursuit of professional and personal advancement. > **路路路** > > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/\](http://www.ruby-forum.com/%5C). ---
**Author:** ![Ayyappan\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/97f17d/32.png) [@Ayyappan\_K](https://rubytalk.org/u/Ayyappan_K)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 19:13 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/10 "2007-09-04T19:13:11Z")
hi, Also check [http://www.rubyist.net/~slagell/ruby/examples.html](http://www.rubyist.net/~slagell/ruby/examples.html) -Ayyappan K. Jin Dynasty wrote: > **路路路** > > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > > for dummies. > > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > your recommendation or referrals. > > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/\](http://www.ruby-forum.com/%5C). ---
**Author:** ![Mohit\_Sindhwani1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@Mohit\_Sindhwani1](https://rubytalk.org/u/Mohit_Sindhwani1)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 03:13 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/11 "2007-09-04T03:13:54Z")
dblack@wobblini.net wrote: > Hi -- > > > Howdy there, > > I have always been interested in programming. I looked for books, but it > > treated me like a pro. Please let me state now: I have not done any > > programming before. > > > > I looked around, and Ruby seems most appealing to me, so I picked it as > > a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 > > > > Now what do I want? I am looking for a programming Ruby for dummies, for > > those who haven't type a single command line in their lifetime. Now I > > tried to read Programming Ruby, commonly called The Pickaxe, but again, > > the reader was treated as the book's subject aficionado. > > > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > > for dummies. > > > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > your recommendation or referrals. > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > David I agree - I strongly recommend this one! Cheers, Mohit. 9/4/2007 | 11:12 AM. > **路路路** > > > On Tue, 4 Sep 2007, Jin Dynasty wrote: ---
**Author:** ![James\_Britt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/22d042/32.png) [@James\_Britt](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Britt)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 11:48 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/12 "2007-09-04T11:48:46Z")
The Pickaxe is best as a reference or a starting point for experienced programmers, but indispensible as a reference book for Ruby. Chris Pine's "Learning to Program" is excellent for anyone completely new to programming. After that, Peter Cooper's book, Beginning Ruby, From Novice to Professional, might not make you professional (that's the Apress series subtitle, but it will take you on a tour of lots of things you can do with Ruby. This mailing list is also definitely the right place for questions. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://rubytalk.org/u/Thomas_Wieczorek)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 12:42 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/13 "2007-09-04T12:42:05Z")
Ah, there's also a book form of why's guide, but I can't find the shop right now. > **路路路** > > 2007/9/4, Thomas Wieczorek \: > > > I really love why's guide: [http://poignantguide.net/ruby/](http://poignantguide.net/ruby/) It woke the > > interest for Ruby in me and kept me digging deeper in it. I love the > > cartoons and the crazy sidebars ---
**Author:** ![Ari\_Brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Ari\_Brown](https://rubytalk.org/u/Ari_Brown)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 19:58 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/14 "2007-09-04T19:58:59Z")
My only problem with For Dummy books is that they have poor paper quality. 'Nuff said. -------------------------------------------------------| ~ Ari crap my sig won't fit > **路路路** > > On Sep 3, 2007, at 9:50 PM, Phlip wrote: > > > > To sum up my rambling in one sentence: I want a programming ruby guide > > > for dummies. > > > > Please don't tempt us. 馃槈 ---
**Author:** ![Terry\_Poulin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Terry\_Poulin](https://rubytalk.org/u/Terry_Poulin)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 22:18 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/15 "2007-09-04T22:18:08Z")
> > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > your recommendation or referrals. > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > David I agree, it's a very good starting point. Many books teach you about the language but not about Programming. I think I've learned more about Languages from books and more about Programming from Code and Wikipedia. Some thing like that web site is going to be very good for you. You might also look to get a decent book on learning to program, that while expecting you to know a bit of programming. Doesn't expect you to know jack about Ruby. Generally I like O'Reilly books such as Learning Perl. Once you're further along in learning, you will value having such a book and not having to get one later (or skip all together). I started off with the Ruby User聮s Guide and started playing with irb when I decided to learn Ruby. TerryP. > **路路路** > > -- >      > Email and shopping with the feelgood factor! > 55% of income to good causes. [http://www.ippimail.com](http://www.ippimail.com) ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Denni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@Jonathan\_Denni](https://rubytalk.org/u/Jonathan_Denni)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 06:35 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/16 "2007-09-04T06:35:22Z")
Mohit Sindhwani wrote: > **路路路** > > > dblack@wobblini.net wrote: > > > > > > a first language; my mother tongue. 馃槢 > > > > your recommendation or referrals. > > > > > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > > > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > > > > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > > > > > David > > > > I agree - I strongly recommend this one! > > > > Cheers, > > Mohit. > > 9/4/2007 | 11:12 AM. > > I second that second! > > Ruby is my first language as well, and Chris Pine's book was essential! > Buy it. It's worth it. > -- > Posted via [http://www.ruby-forum.com/\](http://www.ruby-forum.com/%5C). ---
**Author:** ![James\_Britt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/22d042/32.png) [@James\_Britt](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Britt)\ **Post date:** [4 September 2007 20:56 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/17 "2007-09-04T20:56:17Z")
Like all books, many publishers' quality varies within a series from title to title though the covers look similar. Luckily, with Ruby, almost all the books are very very good. If you want to learn Rails at some point, you want to get the book from Sitepoint or the Friends of Ed book. They're both pretty good to people new at programming and new at Ruby and new at web applications. David Black's book is excellent for it's incredible and unique Ruby insights, but it's approach to Rails is a bit out of date. That said, it's still a very good book that should be in your Ruby library. It's just too bad that the middle section dedicated to Ruby isn't rewritten and bound as a purely Ruby book. You'll see his posts here FREQUENTLY. David's posts are always worth reading, no matter what you're doing with Ruby. But you will see a whole host of names of people who post here regularly that also have lots of insight and are very helpful. Don't hesitate to visit the web sites of books and their authors. Ruby and Rails authors are nice people and will actually respond to you and try to help you if they can. ---
**Author:** ![Ari\_Brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Ari\_Brown](https://rubytalk.org/u/Ari_Brown)\ **Post date:** [5 September 2007 11:05 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/18 "2007-09-05T11:05:12Z")
If you don't like reading things online (like me), you can also get it in book form. It's got a couple edits, but mostly it's the same and has excellent paper quality. Plus, the book reads like an awesome conversation. Ari -------------------------------------------| Nietzsche is my copilot > **路路路** > > On Sep 4, 2007, at 6:18 PM, Terry Poulin wrote: > > > > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > > > your recommendation or referrals. > > > > > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > > > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > > > > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) ---
**Author:** ![David\_A\_Black3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6a8cbe/32.png) [@David\_A\_Black3](https://rubytalk.org/u/David_A_Black3)\ **Post date:** [5 September 2007 11:11 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/19 "2007-09-05T11:11:19Z")
Hi -- > **路路路** > > On Wed, 5 Sep 2007, Ari Brown wrote: > > > On Sep 4, 2007, at 6:18 PM, Terry Poulin wrote: > > > > > > > I'm not asking for you to do my simple search on the net, I'm asking for > > > > > your recommendation or referrals. > > > > > > > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > > > > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > > > > > > > [Learn to Program, by Chris Pine](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > > > If you don't like reading things online (like me), > > you can also get it in book form. It's got a couple edits, but mostly it's the same and has excellent paper quality. > > By "Chris Pine's book" I meant... Chris Pine's book 馃檪 There's a link > to it on that page, along with the online tutorial version which I > forgot to mention. > > David > > -- > \* Books: >    RAILS ROUTING (new! [http://www.awprofessional.com/title/0321509242\](http://www.awprofessional.com/title/0321509242%5C)) >    RUBY FOR RAILS ([http://www.manning.com/black\](http://www.manning.com/black%5C)) > \* Ruby/Rails training >      & consulting: Ruby Power and Light, LLC ([http://www.rubypal.com](http://www.rubypal.com)) ---
**Author:** ![Jorg\_W\_Mittag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jorg\_W\_Mittag](https://rubytalk.org/u/Jorg_W_Mittag)\ **Post date:** [5 September 2007 14:20 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360/20 "2007-09-05T14:20:15Z")
Jonathan Denni wrote: > Mohit Sindhwani wrote: > > > > You should check out Chris Pine's book "Learn to Program", which is an > > > intro to programming that uses Ruby to teach you. > > > > > > [http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/](http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/) > > > > I agree - I strongly recommend this one! > > I second that second! > > Ruby is my first language as well, and Chris Pine's book was essential! > Buy it. It's worth it. My personal dream book is "Learn to Pragmatically Program Ruby for Rails, Head First (with Foxes)" by Chris Pine, Dave Thomas, David Black, Kathy Sierra and \_why the lucky stiff, but I doubt that will ever get written (-; jwm > **路路路** > > > > dblack@wobblini.net wrote: [Next page](https://rubytalk.org/t/programming-ruby-for-newbies/40360.md?page=2)