From: Jim Maher <jdmaher@...>
Date: 2010-02-03T00:19:32+09:00
Subject: Why Ruby?

I've asked several friends and associates (application developers) what
programming language they recommend for new development.  The most
prevalent answer was Ruby (with Ruby-On-Rails a close second).  This was
surprising to me, since my understanding is that Java and C (et al) are
most prevalent.

So I asked why.  I received at least a handful of reasons from each
respondent, no answer consistently offered, none all that obviously
compelling.  My initial reaction was "It's just the buzz", that is - a
fad.  Further research revealed a thriving and mature community around
Ruby, so that initial reaction was probably too dismissive.  So let me
ask the question more specifically and of a broader audience with
greater specific knowledge.

Is Ruby a good programming language for general purpose usage?  That is,
is it worth the time and effort to become proficient?

The problem is that ANY programming language will probably require tons
of study and years of practice before a developer achieves proficiency.
Is Ruby worth the investment for someone seeking a new programming
language?

I don't want to skew responses by specifying a particular application or
usage.  However, please DO respond with qualified answers if you feel
that is appropriate.  Again, I don't want to sway responses by
specifying a background for the learner.  Might be a relatively new
student of programming, might be an old-timer with decades of
development experience.  Let's just assume reasonable intelligence,
interest and inclination to learn a new programming language.  Given
that,

Is Ruby a good choice as a general usage programming language?  Why (or
why not)?
-- 
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