how to go from beginner level to proficient level with ruby on rails?

Question

i need some advice since i have read 4 books for beginners in ROR.should i contribute to open source projects?how ?where can i find project that are easy enough to improve my skills. thank you.

Answer 1

I'd suggest building your own web app. Pick a problem to solve and build out an app that solves it. It doesn't have to be a huge problem. In fact maybe its better if its not. Just take your time and build your solution piece by piece.

If you're stuck for ideas this should give you something to get you started 999 ideas

The experience of building an app from concept to launch and then dealing with real users is very educational. It also means you have to deal with every aspect of your app rather than just dealing with a small part of a larger project.

I'm not saying you shouldn't ALSO contribute to open source :) A quick google turned up this site. www.opensourcerails.com

Answer 2

Find something you want to build or something you need or something that you know can be done better (even if it's only "better" for you).

I think while your learning and trying to get better, keep it personal, may help you keep the motivation going. Though, a looming deadline (or huge paycheck) can also help with that as well...

And if anything, take a trip to GitHub and just fork something and go crazy.

Answer 3

Well, how do you get to Carnegie Hall?

Answer 4

Gaining experience is exactly as it says - you need to get some experience in using Ruby on Rails. Certainly the API set is large and there is a lot of information sprinkled on the Internet which at times can send you down a rabbit-hole when trying to resolve problems. But it's possible and some suggestions are:

• Identify the sources of information and where they can be easily located keeping this list to a small set of documents. Browser bookmarks on the toolbar which can be quickly opened via a set of tabs is useful.
• Read the Rails Guides which are well documented and cover the essentials and details of the architecture of the framework. Experiment with the examples which are included.
• Have handy the Rails Framework documentation, which also includes a lot of information in the readme parts or header parts of many of the pages. The find feature of your browser will become your friend when navigating all the information stored in the documentation. This can also be supplemented with learning how to use the gem server command to fire up the documentation on your local workstation.
• Have the Ruby API language guide (Core and Library)

Now this is will give you a good set of reference material. As with learning any new language or framework often the biggest issue is knowing where the information is located. And when you hit a problem with something in the application you are building you don't need to be wrestling with the question Where did i read, see, find that bit of information that I need.

The next set of information that is useful is more what I'd call application and logistics type of information. This includes;

• Read the Programming Ruby guide so you know the basics of the language used to write the Rails framework.
• Read Agile Web Development which gives you not only insights into the framework but takes you through the process of building an application in a very agile approach.
• Take a look at the Advanced Rails Recipes which will then extend your knowledge.
• Learn the tools that come with the framework such as the console, rake, gems and extensions
• Lastly find a small project, maybe something on GitHub, that you can review the code. It should be an application which is not too large so that you don't get swamped in the detail, yet a sufficient size so you can see how all the parts work together.

Hope that helps.