FAQ

  • I’m already skilled in a PHP framework. Why should I switch to Rails?

    It’s not about “switching”. No single tool (be it PHP or Ruby) will be the best way to solve all of your future problems. Learning Ruby and Rails is more about expanding your tools and capabilities. With more tools to choose from, you have more solutions to solve your problems. You can decide the best way to put them to use.

    How can you compare PHP (a language) with Rails (a framework)?

    You can’t, and shouldn’t try. The premise of our book is that as a PHP developer, you already have proficiency with both programming and web applications. Your knowledge of programming can be mapped to Ruby, and your knowledge of web applications can be mapped to Rails. This is the approach we take to helping you learn both Ruby and Rails.

    Is it hard for PHP developers to learn Ruby (and Rails)?

    Like learning anything else, the difficulty will depend largely on your past experience and dedication to learning something new. We’ve attempted to put together a book that should appeal to many skill levels. Even people with no prior programming have found Ruby fun and relatively easy to learn.

    I’ve heard Ruby has many features that make it harder than PHP. Is that true?

    Ruby’s architect, Yukihiro Matsumoto (“Matz”), is often quoted as saying he designed Ruby for humans first and computers second. The Ruby philosophy is that Ruby programs, while sometimes using advanced features, are also made for programmer happiness. That said, Ruby and PHP are similar in that they are both simple to learn but each takes time, practice, and discipline to master.

    What version of Rails is covered in the book?

    “Rails for PHP Developers” was written for Rails 2.0.