Use Ruby and you'll write better code, be more productive, and enjoy programming more. "I love it. Conceptually it is really clean, and sweet."
--Kent Beck, author of Extreme Programming Explained, on the Ruby language

Ruby is a true object-oriented programming language that makes the craft of programming easier. Ruby is a transparent language: It doesn't obscure your program behind unnecessary syntax or reams of extra support code. Guided by the Principle of Least Surprise, Ruby embodies the values of consistency and simplicity of expression. It's more than a programming language: It's a concise way of expressing ideas. Ruby supports natural intelligence--yours.

Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmer's Guide is your complete Ruby resource. It provides a tutorial and overview of Ruby version 1.6; a detailed description of the language's structure, syntax, and operation; a guide to building applications with Ruby; and a comprehensive library reference.

Mining real rubies is hard work done with an ax, but mining ruby the language is simple With this book, you'll find it remarkably easy to Learn Ruby basics. You'll find normal stuff like classes, objects, and exceptions, as well as more interesting features, such as infinite-precision integers, iterators, mix-ins, and threads.
* Extend Ruby using C code
* Create cross-platform GUI applications
* Write large, well-structured Ruby programs
* Write CGI scripts and create dynamic Ruby pages for the Web
* Access Microsoft Windows native API calls and automate Windows applications

Other gems you'll find in Programming Ruby include:
* A guide to downloading the Ruby language itself, as well as other Ruby resources
* A reference to object-oriented design libraries, network and Web libraries, and Microsoft Windows support
* An alphabetical reference to all of the built-in classes, modules, and the standard library, documenting over a thousand methods
* Numerous examples (that really work) appear throughout the book. You will come away from this book with an appreciation for Ruby's power, flexibility, and clarity. You'll be armed with the information you need to put Ruby to work for you and your projects.

The authors maintain the Ruby FAQ, which can be found on-line at www.pragmaticprogrammer.com.