From: Mike Owens <mikeowens@...>
Date: 2010-02-10T03:11:08+09:00
Subject: Re: Why Ruby?

I'm not a language aficionado, but I think Ruby is amazing. I started
with C/C++, later learned Perl and did some big projects with it, then
Python, Lua, and then Ruby. I loved Python. Years later I sat down to
learn Ruby and I never looked back. I never imagined that I would be
so pleased with a language. I'm not going to bother with a checklist
of whys -- you've just got to try it for yourself -- but It's really
is true what they say: Ruby makes programming fun. Even for jobs that
are otherwise loathsome, Ruby actually adds an element of fun. And it
is very powerful.

The other thing worth noting is its C API. I have done a number of C
extensions for various languages over the years -- in Python, Lua, and
also used SWIG. I think Ruby's C API is by far the friendliest and
easiest to use. It is considerably easier than Python's IMHO. Once you
get the hang of it, it is very easy to interface Ruby with C libraries
or wrap C++ classes or call into Ruby from C/C++.

All around I think Ruby is just a wonderful language. I'm just a
lurker on this list (I don't think I've ever posted anything before).
But as for whether Ruby is worth the time to learn -- I would say
absolutely. It will more than pay you back. It's just a pleasure to
use -- powerful, versatile and fun.

-- Mike

On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 9:19 AM, Jim Maher <jdmaher@jdmaher.com> wrote:
> 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)?
> --
> Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.
>
>