Chapter 2. Getting Started with Ruby

I first found Ruby because of my eight-year-old son and his love of a certain electrically charged, but very sweet yellow mouse. Back in 2002, my son was spending his free time playing a certain computer game that involved finding and taming various magical creatures, including the energetic rodent.[1] In my mind’s eye, I see the glowing light bulb suddenly appear over his head. “My dad,” I imagine him thinking, “is a programmer. This thing that I’m playing, this thing with the magical islands and wonderful creatures, is a program. My dad makes programs. My dad can teach me to make a game!”

Well, maybe. After a blast of begging and pleading that only the parents of young children can truly comprehend, I set ...

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