From: Gavin Sinclair <gsinclair@...>
Date: 2004-05-12T23:26:28+09:00
Subject: Re: Recommendations (Ruby making my head swim)

On Thursday, May 13, 2004, 12:13:53 AM, Mike wrote:

> I recently bought "Programming Ruby" and set out to learn the language
> through sheer force of will and determination, but I have to admit that
> I just can't keep up... I'm way behind the book conceptually. As a 
> self-taught programmer with no computer science background, where 
> should I turn to "prelearn" ruby? I have taught myself shell scripting
> and AWK, but I have no background in larger programming concepts. I am
> considering the book mentioned in "Programming Ruby" ("Object Oriented
> Software Construction" by Bertrand Meyer) but that seems like a lot to
> absorb just to get started with a new programming language. Any 
> thoughts?

Hi Mike,

There are a couple of tutorials around.  I suggest you grab the
documentation bundle from ruby-doc.org, and take a look at them.  Make
sure you follow the links to the latest versions, though, and feel
free to ask follow-up questions.

Programming Ruby certainly does assume some programming background.
"Teach Yourself Ruby in 21 Days" comes well recommended, and is
probably a better intro for you.

Cheers,
Gavin