Ruby on Rails is a web framework built on Ruby that aims to make web development simpler and more enjoyable. It was extracted from the Basecamp project management tool. Rails emphasizes conventions over configurations, separating concerns into models, views, and controllers, and following patterns that reduce repetition. Developers can get started with Rails by downloading the Ruby language and using resources like books, screencasts, and online communities to learn more. Popular hosting providers that support Rails include Heroku, Slicehost, and Dreamhost.

1. Introduction
to Ruby on Rails
“Web development
that doesn’t hurt.”
Eric J. Gruber

2. About Ruby
 Released in 1995
 Open source
 Available for:
– Windows
– Mac OS X
– Linux
 Ruby home: http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/
 Try Ruby!: http://tryruby.hobix.com

3. About Ruby
 Dynamic language, like PHP
 Clean syntax, natural wording, easy to read
– C#: public class Hello1 { public static void
Main() { System.Console.WriteLine("Hello,
World!"); } }
– ASP.NET: <% HelloWorldLabel.Text =
“Hello, World!”; %>
– PHP: <?php print “Hello, World!”; ?>
– Ruby: puts “Hello, World!”

4. About Ruby
 Everything is an object in Ruby
Images from the book Simply Rails 2 by Patrick Lenz

5. Ruby
meet
Rails

6. Who uses Ruby on Rails?

7. Other success stories
 From ruby-lang.org:
– http://ruby-lang.org/en/documentation/success-stories
 From rubyonrails.org:
– http://rubyonrails.org/applications

8. What is Ruby on Rails?
 Web framework, powered by Ruby, extracted
from the highly successful project
management web application, Basecamp.
http://basecamphq.com

9. Framework? What’s that?
 A framework is a basic conceptual
structure used to solve or address
complex issues. This very broad definition
has allowed the term to be used as a
buzzword, especially in a software
context.
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framework

10. In other words …
 … it’s like magic!

11. Why should I care?
Do more with fewer resources
 Easy validations  Works well with Ajax
 Better separation of  Good amount of
code resources available to
– HTML, CSS (views) learn
– Database, business  Easy for designers, fun
logic (models) for programmers
– User interface,  Database agnostic
application logic
(controllers)

12. Everything is in its right place
 Embrace your
constraints
 Don’t Repeat Yourself
 Every Rails app has
the same file
structure
Image from the book RailsSpace by Michael Hartl and Aurelius Prochazka

13. Demo

14. How to get started
 Use the Ruby on Rails download page:
– http://rubyonrails.org/download, or …
 Windows users can download InstantRails for
the total package:
– http://instantrails.rubyforge.org/wiki/wiki.pl
 Mac users can download Locomotive for a quick
test run (might need to be updated):
– http://sourceforge.net/projects/locomotive/
 Linux users can … it depends on your distro
 Sign up free at http://herokugarden.com

15. Recommended Ruby reading
 Learn to Program, 2nd Edition
Great for
beginners – PragProg.com
 Programming Ruby 1.9
– PragProg.com
A lot more
advanced

16. Recommended Rails reading
 Simply Rails 2.0
– Sitepoint.com
Great for
beginners
 Agile Web Development with Rails
– PragProg.com
A little bit
more advanced

17. Resources
 Ruby on Rails: Talk (Google Group)
– http://groups.google.com/group/rubyonrails-talk
 Railscasts (free Ruby on Rails screencasts)
– http://railscasts.com
 Peep Code (paid Rails-related screencasts)
– http://peepcode.com
 Phusion Passenger (easy deployment module)
– http://www.modrails.com
 Agile Web Development (plugin central)
– http://agilewebdevelopment.com/

18. Hosting
 http://slicehost.com
 http://railsplayground.com
 http://www.site5.com
 http://dreamhost.com
 http://hostgator.com
 Web Hosting Services Which Support Ruby on
(from Rails Wiki)

19. Questions?