Getting Started with Rails

A friend just asked me how to get started on Rails. I thought I would share my thoughts with the world also:

First, buy the books from the PragProg guys:

• Programming Ruby
• Agile Web Development with Rails
  

Don't worry about getting the Programming Ruby 1.9, it has another 6months to a year before it will be the preferred way to go. The community hasn't shifted to it yet. Just be aware that it is coming. Both of these books are must haves and really the only requirement to get started.

Second, I highly recommend buying a Mac or installing Linux. It can be done on Windows, but it just isn't fun. There will be a ton of new things that you are going to have to learn and being on a Mac usually gets you answers faster because so many people are using them. And the majority of the screencasts are on Macs. This isn't a must, but it will make your life easier.

Third, watch screencasts at PeepCode

• Start with Rails 2 from Scratch (there are two)
• Then do the REST Rails series
  
• Then learn about Git
  

You can skip the PeepCode screencasts if you don't want, but I feel like they are the best way to get started. Be sure to buy the pack of 5, it will save you $10.

Git is a distributed SCM and is really important. Everything in the community is moving to it. Rails is hosted on GitHub as are most of the libraries that you will need. If what you are doing is open source, then using GitHub will be free. They have excellent documentation to learn about Git on their site.

Fourth, watch more Rails Screencasts. These are free. Basically, you will want to search to see if he has answered a problem you have.

Fifth, bookmark the RailsApi. This is the best Rails API site I have found.

Deployment is going to be pesky, but I highly recommend Heroku. To deploy, you just push your git repository to the server and they take care of the dirty work for you. It is awesome. And brand spankin new... So there are times when it has issues but they are usually resolved rapidly.

Subscribe to the Rails talk mailing list. A good resource when you have questions.

I hope this helps a new Rails developer get started!