Review By: Debra Martinez
11/05/2010When I first started reading this book, I noticed a few, unique things. First, it’s more of a workbook than a regular technology book. Second, a "cheat sheet" list of important facts and information to which you might need quick access are provided on the front- and back-inside covers. I just started using Ruby, so I learned a lot as I read along. There are a lot of examples of code in the book that are useful to a new user such as myself.

The writers of this book did a good job of presenting the information in a flowing manner and made it easy for anyone to use. Experienced and new users should gain a lot of information in this book. Don't feel that if you are new to Ruby that you won't understand the examples or what the author is talking about. Everything’s laid out in an easy-to-read format.

You will notice as you look through the different exercise in the book that the author has labeled each exercise as either challenging or something to consider which makes categorizing the exercises easy for new Ruby users.

My favorite part of the book is at the end of each lesson where the author offers the following points:

• What to look for
• Why this is a problem
• When to leave it
• How it got this way
• What to do
• What to look for next

These helpful hints make it easier for a new person or experienced person to move quickly through Ruby and make Ruby a helpful tool.

I wouldn't change a thing in this book and look forward to using this book throughout the years. I have even recommended it to my coworkers as a book to read and one you'll always return to as you work with Ruby.