So I’ve started playing with Ruby finally. I have no plans on dropping c#, but I really want to see what all of the hype is about.
Like .Net, I get the feeling (so far) that it tries to do too much for you. I remember being at a seminar at the Microsoft Campus in Reading when .Net first came out and a 5-minute database application was developed with all wizards. The experienced developers in the crowd groaned. But, eventually, we all found out how to dig down deeper and optimise. I guess that’s how Ruby will work too.
A few things I really like about the Ruby on Rails framework so far:
1. MVC by default
2. Automated Testing is emphasized
3. Strict Object Orientation
4. Stresses Agile development
Like many things, this is just a fad for me. I’m playing with the language (unless it is really, really good and I decide to be an out of work Ruby contractor newbie) and will probably just write some sample apps to see how it handles before moving on.
The book I’m reading is “Agile Development with Rails” by Dave Thomas and David Heinemeier Hansson. So far I am enjoying the book. My favourite line so far: “Professional programmers write tests.”