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Head First Rails--New from O'Reilly: A Learner's Companion to Ruby on Rails

January 21, 2009

Head First Rails Sebastopol, CA—Ready to transport your web applications into the Web 2.0 era? Head First Rails (O'Reilly Media, $49.99) takes your programming--and productivity--to the next level. You'll learn everything from the fundamentals of Rails scaffolding to building customized interactive web apps using Rails' rich set of tools and the MVC framework.

When you've finished, you'll have learned more than just another web framework. You'll master database interactions, integration with Ajax and XML, rich content, and even dynamic graphing of your data--all in a fraction of the time it takes to build the same apps with Java, PHP, ASP.NET, or Perl. You'll even get comfortable and familiar with Ruby, the language that underpins Rails. But you'll do it in the context of web programming, and not through boring exercises such as "Hello, World!"

By the time you're done with the exercises in this book, you will be able to:

  • Master your data with Rails finders
  • Integrate your apps with Google Maps and never get lost again
  • Learn how to validate your dates
  • Get inside Embedded Ruby and take control of your apps
  • Add Ajax and XML to your Rails universe

Indeed, time is way too valuable to waste struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First Rails provides a brain friendly, visually rich format designed to take advantage of the way your brain really works.

Advance Praise
"Head First Rails continues the tradition of the Head First series, providing useful, real-world information to get you up and going quickly. Head First Rails is an excellent book for people learning Rails, as well as those brushing up on the latest features."
--Jeremy Durham, Web Developer

"Head First Rails is the book I wish I had when I was first learning Rails. It leads you through the essential things you need to know in a humorous, no-nonsense, manner."
--Eamon Walshe, Agile Coach

For a review copy or more information please email maryr@oreilly.com. Please include your delivery address and contact information.

David Griffiths began programming at age 12, after being inspired by a documentary on the work of Seymour Papert. At age 15 he wrote an implementation of Papert's computer language LOGO. After studying Pure Mathematics at University, he began writing code for computers and magazine articles for humans and he is currently an agile coach with Exoftware in the UK, helping people to create simpler, more valuable software.

Additional Resources:
For more information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bios, and cover graphic, see: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596515775

Head First Rails
David Griffiths
ISBN: 9780596515775, 462 pages, Book Price: $49.99 USD, £38.50 GBP
PDF Price: $39.99 USD

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