From: dblack@...
Date: 2006-02-23T23:14:23+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby as First Language

Hi --

On Thu, 23 Feb 2006, woodyee wrote:

> Hi! I'm interested in getting opinions on Ruby as a first language. For
> example, how it compares to python/perl/basic/etc as a first language.
> My goals are to learn the basics of a language, then delve into network
> programming,  and then learn how to interact with the operating system
> programaticallly. Will Ruby help me achieve this goal?

Yes, and then some.

> Will Ruby enable me to transition to other languages (ex.,
> C/Assembly/etc)? Thanks in advance!

It won't cause you to know those other languages of course, but it
will enable you to learn them in the sense that it won't stop you :-)
And C actually connects up naturally with Ruby, since Ruby is written
in C and you can write C extensions for Ruby.

Have you seen this book?

http://www.pragmaticprogrammer.com/titles/fr_ltp/index.html


David

-- 
David A. Black (dblack@wobblini.net)
Ruby Power and Light (http://www.rubypowerandlight.com)

"Ruby for Rails" chapters now available
from Manning Early Access Program! http://www.manning.com/books/black