May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
28 minute read
Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. It possesses an elegant syntax that is natural to read and easy to write. Created in the mid-1990s by Yukihiro "Matz" Matsumoto in Japan, Ruby was designed with an emphasis on developer happiness and a sensible buffer between human programmers and the underlying computing machinery. In Ruby, nearly everything is an object, including primitive data types, which is a core tenet of its purely object-oriented design.
Working with Ruby can be quite engaging. One of its most exciting aspects is its association with the Ruby on Rails framework, a powerful tool for building web applications quickly and efficiently. This has made Ruby a popular choice for startups and for rapid prototyping. The language's flexibility and expressive syntax, often compared to natural language, can make the process of coding feel intuitive and enjoyable. Furthermore, Ruby's strong and supportive community means that help and extensive libraries (known as gems) are readily available.
What is Ruby?
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Find a path to becoming a Ruby. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/11p4w6/rub
Reading list
We've selected 27 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Ruby.
A highly recommended book for understanding object-oriented design principles within the context of Ruby. It uses practical examples to illustrate how to write maintainable and flexible code. is crucial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of software design in Ruby and is often considered a must-read for professionals.
Comprehensive overview of the Ruby programming language, written by Dave Flanagan and Yukihiro Matsumoto, the creator of Ruby. It covers all aspects of the language, from basic syntax to advanced topics like metaprogramming.
Offers a thorough introduction to Ruby, starting with the basics and progressing to more complex topics like metaprogramming. It's well-regarded for its clear explanations and is suitable for those looking to solidify their understanding of the language. It can serve as a textbook for intermediate learners.
Dives deep into Ruby's powerful metaprogramming capabilities, explaining how the language works under the hood. It's essential for advanced Ruby developers who want to understand frameworks like Rails and write more dynamic code. This key resource for contemporary and advanced Ruby topics.
Guide to the Ruby programming language, written by Hal Fulton, a leading expert on Ruby. It covers all aspects of the language, from basic syntax to advanced topics like object-oriented programming and functional programming.
Collection of over 300 recipes for solving common programming problems in Ruby. It valuable resource for Ruby developers of all levels.
Delves into the internal workings of the Ruby interpreter, explaining how Ruby code is executed. It's a more advanced text suitable for those who want to understand the performance characteristics and low-level details of the language.
Guide to refactoring Ruby code, a process of improving the structure and design of code without changing its functionality.
Guide to the Ruby on Rails web development framework, written by Michael Hartl, a leading expert on Ruby on Rails. It covers all aspects of the framework, from basic concepts to advanced topics like testing and deployment.
Guide to unit testing in Ruby, written by Roy Osherove, a leading expert on unit testing. It covers all aspects of unit testing, from basic principles to advanced topics like mocking and dependency injection.
Guide to functional programming in Ruby, written by Eric Meadows, a leading expert on functional programming. It covers all aspects of functional programming, from basic principles to advanced topics like monads and zippers.
While focused on the Rails framework, this book is fundamental for understanding how Ruby is applied in web development, a major use case. It covers building a web application from scratch, incorporating testing and deployment. It's a valuable resource for those interested in web development with Ruby.
Presented in a problem-solution format, this book covers a wide array of Ruby topics and provides idiomatic ways to solve common programming tasks. It's a useful reference for developers looking for practical examples and deeper insight into Ruby's capabilities.
Explores the internals of the Rails framework, providing insights into how it's built and how its components work together. It's suitable for experienced Ruby and Rails developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the framework's architecture.
Focuses on applying Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles specifically in Ruby. It's a practical guide for developers who want to write better-tested and more robust Ruby applications.
Applying the principles of 'Clean Code' to Ruby, this book guides developers in writing readable, maintainable, and testable Ruby code. It's valuable for improving code quality and is relevant for both intermediate and experienced programmers.
An excellent introductory book for complete beginners to programming using Ruby as the language. It covers fundamental programming concepts in a clear and accessible way, making it suitable for high school and early undergraduate students.
While not exclusively about Ruby, this foundational book on refactoring is highly relevant for any Ruby developer looking to improve the design and maintainability of their existing codebase. The principles are universally applicable and crucial for professional development.
The first edition of the highly-regarded book on Ruby metaprogramming. While the second edition is more current, this book is considered a classic for introducing many Ruby developers to the power and concepts of metaprogramming.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/11p4w6/rub
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