Perfect for programmers at all levels, Ruby by Example explores Ruby's functional power through the use of numerous practical and illustrative examples. The book includes short scripts, ranging from the simple to the complex, that do something interesting while also illustrating key concepts in Ruby. These scripts manipulate text, manipulate numbers (in ways that extend Ruby's numeric classes), and much more, all while showing readers how to use the language to extend itself.

There may be no better way to learn how to program than by dissecting real, representative examples written in your language of choice. Ruby by Example analyzes a series of Ruby scripts, examining how the code works, explaining the concepts it illustrates, and showing how to modify it to suit your needs. Baird's examples demonstrate key features of the language (such as inheritance, encapsulation, higher-order functions, and recursion), while simultaneously solving difficult problems (such as validating XML, creating a bilingual program, and creating command-line interfaces). Each chapter builds upon the previous, and each key concept is highlighted in the margin to make it easier for you to navigate the book.

You'll learn how to:

• Use the interactive Ruby shell (irb) to learn key features of the language
• Extend Ruby using RubyGems, the Ruby package manager
• Create numerical utilities, as well as utilities that process and analyze HTML/XML
• Implement purely functional and metaprogramming techniques to save time and effort
• Optimize, profile, and test your code to make sure that it not only does its job, but does it well
• Create web applications using Rails

Ruby is the fastest growing programming language today, and for good reason: Its elegant syntax and readable code make for prolific and happy programmers. But it can be difficult to understand and implement without a little help. Ruby by Example shows you how to take advantage of Ruby as you explore Ruby's fundamental concepts in action.