From: Todd Benson <caduceass@...>
Date: 2007-07-05T01:12:13+09:00
Subject: Re: Best way to start a ruby program.

On 7/4/07, Ronald Valente <rawn027@gmail.com> wrote:
> I was looking to start developing a ruby program, where would the
> best place be to start?
> Should I try with just a straight command line version that has all
> the functionality then possibly port the idea to a web based
> application using rails or just start right in rails.
>
> Regards,
> Ron

Depends on your personality, your goals, how best you learn, etc.
Opinions vary widely on this.  I'm in the learn-ruby-first camp.

Some people like to learn ruby _while_ building their ideal web
application.  There are a couple of things to be aware of with such an
approach (using rails as an example).  You will be learning rails
idioms/practices/additional classes/methods that are not pure ruby.
Think of it like learning right off the bat how to build hotels, but
lacking the foundation of knowledge to build houses, too (i.e. you
learned about building hotels, not architecture, or, as another
example--a math one--you learned you to use Fourier transforms, but
not why they work).  As long as you are aware of that, then go for it.

The other thing to be aware of is that you may get frustrated because
your web app won't come along as quickly as you expected because of
that lack of foundation.

The straight answer is, do whatever you think is best for your goals.
Not much of an answer, but there you go.

Todd